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What Causes Spotting After Menstruation?
Question: I had my period and 4 days later started spotting. Very light spotting with no other symptoms. Has been 4 yrs since last pap and exam. All were always ok. No chance of pregnancy. Horomones? Stress?
Brief Answer:
may not be due to serious cause
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Bleeding that occurs during the intervals of the normal period is called intermenstrual bleeding.
Very rarely is it associated with any significant pathology but it is still important to exclude the more serious causes first even if they are less likely.
It can be related to : (1) hormonal changes due to physical or emotional stressors
(2)vaginitis- inflammation of the vaginal area- eg in yeast infections or other infections
(3)changes in the cervix- precancerous (not cancerous but can change to cancer if not treated) or cancerous changes
(4)polyps- non cancerous outgrowths
(5) genital warts
(6)associated with the use of oral contraceptive pill
(7)use of other medications that can affect clotting such as NSAIDS (eg aspirin, ibuprofen), steroids
(8)cancerous or precancerous changes in the vagina
Normally physical assessment is required to determine the exact cause and to rule out the more serious causes.
This would require abdominal and pelvic examination (need to examine vaginal area, cervix and other aspects of pelvis with speculum and bimanual pelvic exam)
Your doctor may suggest a pap smear and a swab (to check for any evidence of infection).
Depending on the results, an ultrasound may be needed as well.
Summary: (1)in most cases not due to any serious causes but this must be ruled out
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
may not be due to serious cause
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Bleeding that occurs during the intervals of the normal period is called intermenstrual bleeding.
Very rarely is it associated with any significant pathology but it is still important to exclude the more serious causes first even if they are less likely.
It can be related to : (1) hormonal changes due to physical or emotional stressors
(2)vaginitis- inflammation of the vaginal area- eg in yeast infections or other infections
(3)changes in the cervix- precancerous (not cancerous but can change to cancer if not treated) or cancerous changes
(4)polyps- non cancerous outgrowths
(5) genital warts
(6)associated with the use of oral contraceptive pill
(7)use of other medications that can affect clotting such as NSAIDS (eg aspirin, ibuprofen), steroids
(8)cancerous or precancerous changes in the vagina
Normally physical assessment is required to determine the exact cause and to rule out the more serious causes.
This would require abdominal and pelvic examination (need to examine vaginal area, cervix and other aspects of pelvis with speculum and bimanual pelvic exam)
Your doctor may suggest a pap smear and a swab (to check for any evidence of infection).
Depending on the results, an ultrasound may be needed as well.
Summary: (1)in most cases not due to any serious causes but this must be ruled out
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Than you for answers. I have an appointment scheduled. Just worried because this is not my normal cycle.
Brief Answer:
ok
Detailed Answer:
HI
Understandable to be worried about any deviation from the norm but may not be due to any serious issue
Please feel ask anything else
ok
Detailed Answer:
HI
Understandable to be worried about any deviation from the norm but may not be due to any serious issue
Please feel ask anything else
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Now this spotting has turned into a regular period. I feel exactly the way I do when it is my normal period. My appointment is in one week.
Brief Answer:
still require same assessment
Detailed Answer:
HI
Sorry about the late reply
The fact that the bleeding has become heavy does not mean that it is related to a more serious condition
The physical assessment would be the same provided the bleeding has significantly slowed at the time of examination.
If you are still having a heavy flow at the time of the appointment then it may be necessary to delay some aspects of the assessment for a few days because it would be difficult to clearly visualize the vagina and cervix.
If anything else is unclear please feel free to ask
still require same assessment
Detailed Answer:
HI
Sorry about the late reply
The fact that the bleeding has become heavy does not mean that it is related to a more serious condition
The physical assessment would be the same provided the bleeding has significantly slowed at the time of examination.
If you are still having a heavy flow at the time of the appointment then it may be necessary to delay some aspects of the assessment for a few days because it would be difficult to clearly visualize the vagina and cervix.
If anything else is unclear please feel free to ask
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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