How to Identify Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding Between Periods

Bleeding between periods can be normal, so don’t worry. This is likely normal if you’re about to get your period, ovulate, have an IUD, or have just switched birth control pills. In addition to the above cases, bleeding before menstruation can be an unusual sign. You can recognize abnormal vaginal bleeding by watching for symptoms such as fever, pain, discharge, dizziness, and bruising. In addition, you should also consider a medical condition, pregnancy or sexual activity that can cause bleeding. You should see a doctor if you have frequent bleeding or other symptoms.

Table of Contents

Recognize normal bleeding

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Check to see if you are getting your period in the next few days. You may feel scared when you see blood on toilet paper or your underwear before your period, but this is completely normal if it happens within a week of your period. Check your calendar to see if your period is coming. If true, this is probably normal. ^{[1] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

Tracking your menstrual cycle is a great way to let you know if it’s normal or unusual. You may experience some bleeding for a few days before your monthly period, and this may be normal for you.
If you’ve never had bleeding before your period, something could be wrong. It may not be a cause for concern, but you should ask your doctor to be on the safe side.

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Identify ovulation, which can also cause bleeding. Bleeding during ovulation is completely normal. ^{[2] X Source of Research} This phenomenon occurs when an egg is released from the ovary. Often the blood will be pink because of the presence of cervical secretions. ^{[3] X Source} Check your calendar to see if you’re between days 10 and 16 of your cycle, as that could mean you’re ovulating. ^{[4] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source}

The menstrual cycle begins on the first day of menstruation. Normal ovulation occurs around day 14, usually a few days or a week after the end of your period.

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Understand that you may experience bleeding for the first few months after using a new birth control method. Both the oral contraceptive pill and the IUD can cause bleeding between periods. This is a normal side effect of the hormones in the pill or the IUD. If you started using a new method of birth control within the last 3 months, it is probably the cause of the bleeding. ^{[5] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source}

Another possibility: If you have an IUD, bleeding can occur because the IUD moves and scratches the inside of the uterus. In this case, you also experience bleeding, pain, and heavy periods. See your doctor if you are concerned about this condition. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

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Note if you have recently taken emergency contraception. Although generally safe, emergency contraception can cause bleeding when used. Usually nothing to worry about, unless you have prolonged bleeding. If you feel anxious, see your doctor to make sure everything is okay. ^{[7] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source}

For example, you may experience light bleeding after taking Plan B.
Although bleeding is a rare side effect of the emergency contraceptive pill, it can happen because of the hormones in the pill.

Identify abnormal bleeding

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Pay attention to other symptoms. You may experience abnormal bleeding from pelvic inflammatory disease, health problems, or cancer. Don’t worry, many causes of bleeding are harmless. Monitor yourself for symptoms of potential problems. See your doctor if you notice the following symptoms: ^{[8] X Cleveland Clinic Trusted Source Go to source}

Easy to bruise
Fever
Dizzy
Abdominal or pelvic pain
There is an abnormal discharge

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Determine if bleeding is a symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormone-related syndrome that is a common cause of irregular periods and other symptoms. Vaginal bleeding between periods is also part of an irregular menstrual cycle. If you know you have PCOS, see if that is the cause of the bleeding. ^{[9] X Research Source}

Symptoms of PCOS include irregular periods, excessive facial and body hair, acne, male pattern baldness (thin hair on the temples or on top of the head) and ovarian enlargement. See your doctor if you suspect you have undiagnosed polycystic ovary syndrome. ^{[10] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

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Pay attention if bleeding occurs after intercourse. You may experience bleeding after intercourse from rubbing inside your vagina or from a medical condition. This phenomenon is sometimes not a big deal, but it can also have cause for concern. If you’ve only had one bleed, it’s usually fine. However, if you’re concerned about bleeding after intercourse more than once, it’s best to talk to your doctor. ^{[11] X Trusted Source Harvard Medical Schop Go to Source}

If you have vaginal dryness, you’re more likely to bleed after intercourse. In this case, using a lubricant can help you avoid bleeding in the future. ^{[12] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to Source}

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Take a pregnancy test to see if you are in the early weeks of pregnancy. Vaginal bleeding can occur in the first days after conception, when the embryo attaches to the lining of the uterus. However, this phenomenon also occurs in the first few weeks. If you think you might be pregnant, take a home pregnancy test to see if this could be the cause of your bleeding. ^{[13] X Cleveland Clinic Trusted Source Go to Source}

If your pregnancy test is negative and you still haven’t had your period, you can take another pregnancy test or talk to your doctor.

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See your doctor to check if you are pregnant. You don’t need to worry too much, but bleeding can be a sign that something is wrong. See your doctor to make sure you don’t have an ectopic pregnancy, which is a baby that develops in a fallopian tube. In addition, the doctor can also diagnose to make sure that it is not the initial symptoms that signal a miscarriage. ^{[14] X Trusted Source FamilyDoctor.org Go to Source}

If something goes wrong, your doctor will immediately begin to intervene to treat you and your unborn baby.
This situation is worrisome, but it is also possible that everything is fine. There is one thing you must see a doctor right away for peace of mind.

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Consider your risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) Some STDs can cause vaginal bleeding. Your risk is higher if you have unprotected sex with a new partner, or if you don’t have only one sexual partner. Consider getting tested for STIs and talking to your partner to see if they’re at risk. ^{[15] X Research Source}

If you do have an STD, you need treatment to get better quickly.

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Check the side effects of the medications you are taking. Vaginal bleeding can also be caused by taking certain medications. Do not stop taking your medicine without consulting your doctor. Make an appointment with your doctor and ask about the medication you’re taking to see if that’s the cause. ^{[16] X Cleveland Clinic Trusted Source Go to Source}

Besides birth control pills, other medications such as anticoagulants, antidepressants, and antipsychotics can all cause vaginal bleeding between periods.
Your doctor may tell you that your bleeding is nothing to worry about, or they may be able to switch you to a different medication.

Medical treatment

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See your doctor if the bleeding recurs or there are signs of infection. While there’s nothing to worry about, you need treatment if vaginal bleeding occurs frequently or is accompanied by other symptoms. See your doctor to find out the cause and ask if treatment is needed. ^{[17] X Cleveland Clinic Trusted Source Go to Source}

Your doctor can determine that your bleeding is normal or nothing to worry about. However, you need to get a formal diagnosis for your peace of mind, as some causes of abnormal bleeding can be very serious.

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Do diagnostic tests to find the cause of abnormal vaginal bleeding. You will be assigned diagnostic tests that are painless but may cause discomfort. The doctor will then make a formal diagnosis to begin treatment if needed. Your doctor may order one or more of the following tests: ^{[18] X Trusted Source National Health Service (UK) Go to source}

Pelvic exam to look for signs of infection, fibroids, abnormal growths, or cancer.
Culture of vaginal discharge to check for abnormal cells or infection.
Simple, painless blood tests to check for infections or hormonal imbalances.
Imaging tests to look for fibroids, abnormal growths, or problems with the reproductive organs.
Get tested for STIs to rule out these infections.

Tip: If you’ve never had a period, your doctor may just take your medical history and do a physical exam. However, you may have blood tests, screening tests for diabetes, thyroid disease, a study of your bleeding, hemoglobin and platelets, or an exam while you are under anesthesia. If you’re postmenopausal, you may need blood tests, transvaginal ultrasound, or an endometrial biopsy if your doctor suspects cancer. If you’re of childbearing age, your doctor will usually order a pregnancy test, and may need blood tests, thyroid screening tests, liver disease tests, and imaging tests to look for the cause of the bleeding. If you are not pregnant, your doctor will usually order a complete blood count (CBC), fasting blood sugar test, HgAIC test, ultrasound, FSH/LH test, thyroid test, and level test. prpactin, and possibly endometrial biopsy. If you’re pregnant, your doctor may order a transvaginal ultrasound or blood test if you’re in the first trimester. In later stages of pregnancy, your doctor may order a transabdominal ultrasound to locate the placenta. ^{[19] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to Source}

Advice

It’s best to see your doctor if you’re concerned that vaginal bleeding is abnormal. Everything may be fine, but your doctor will give you peace of mind.

Steps

Recognize normal bleeding

Identify abnormal bleeding

Medical treatment

Advice

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