Vaginal bleeding other than monthly menstrual cycle can sometimes be a sign of underlying health issues. Here are the most common reasons for vaginal bleeding.
Sexually transmitted disease (STIs)
The STI like Gonorrhea and Chlamydia if not treated on time can cause vaginal bleeding and the infection even moves up into the reproductive organs.
Ectopic pregnancy
When the egg implants somewhere other than inside the uterus, like the fallopian tubes, cervix, or ovary than it is called ectopic pregnancy. Bleeding with abdominal pain is the first sign of an ectopic pregnancy.
Gynecological cancer
The various gynecological cancers include cervical, ovarian, endometrial, or vaginal cancer. The first sign of gynecological cancer is spotting or vaginal bleeding.
Abnormal growths in ovaries, uterus, or cervix
Such abnormal growths include ovarian cysts, cervical polyps, uterine fibroids, and endometrial/uterine polyps. Citing her experience, Dr. Archana Chandak, Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Apollo clinic Pimpri, Pune elucidates that most of these growths are usually non-cancerous. Bleeding from such growth can be normal, but your doctor can do some tests to make sure they are completely non-cancerous. Significant attention is required for endometrial polyp as 5% of them can be precancerous or cancerous.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
HRT is used to treat menopausal symptoms. This therapy causes spotting for the first 4-6 months of treatment as a side effect. You must consult your doctor if you are having heavy bleeding for more than six months.
Spotting After some health screening procedure
Spotting often occurs after Pap test, IUD insertions cervical biopsies, pelvic exam, and laser surgery.
Pregnancy
A spot may appear as a sign that you are pregnant during the first pregnancy and it is entirely harmless and can happen before you even know you are expecting. About a week after ovulation a fertilized egg will implant in the uterus. This implanting process causes a little blood to come from the vagina.
Sex during pregnancy
Few women experience mild spotting after sex during pregnancy. Usually, this is not harmful to the babies or the mother.