Brown discharge or bleeding outside of menstruation can occasionally be unsettling. There can be many reasons for this, from naturally fluctuating hormones to more serious medical conditions that need to be discussed with a doctor. In this article, we will summarize several possible causes of bleeding outside of menstruation.
Menstruation, Intermenstrual Bleeding, and Spotting
If fertilization has not occurred after ovulation during the menstrual cycle, the uterus sheds its lining during menstruation. Menstruation occurs every 21 to 35 days in a healthy cycle, and its beginning is considered the first day of bleeding. This period usually lasts 5-7 days.
If you experience bleeding during your menstrual cycle outside of your menstrual period, we refer to this as intermenstrual bleeding.
Spotting is defined as bloody vaginal discharge that occurs as a few drops of light pink or brown color and does not require the use of menstrual protection, such as a pad, tampon, or cup. For some, however, it may be more comfortable to use a pantyliner at such times.
Possible Reasons for Spotting and Bleeding Outside of Menstruation
There can be several instances where you might experience spotting or bleeding outside of your menstrual period:
Before Menstruation (and after)
One of the signs of impending menstruation is the presence of dark discharge. According to a 2020 study, approximately 41% of women experienced spotting at least one day before menstruation. (1) If this is your case, there is probably no cause for concern. As menstruation gradually comes to an end, you may again notice dark-colored blood fluid. The blood flow is slower at this point, so it is exposed to oxygen for a longer time and darkens.
Ovulation Bleeding
Ovulation is the moment approximately in the middle of the cycle when the ovary releases a mature egg ready for fertilization by sperm. Ovulation usually lasts 12 to 24 hours, and during this time, you may experience mild spotting of light brown or pink color. Since more cervical mucus is produced at this time to help sperm reach the egg, the bloody discharge can mix with the cervical fluid and may resemble raw egg white in consistency.
Perimenopause Period
Perimenopause is the period preceding menopause. Female reproductive hormones gradually decline, and women may experience a range of symptoms due to hormonal fluctuations, including changes in the menstrual cycle. Periods can thus be longer or shorter than a woman is used to. (2)
Bleeding After Intercourse
During masturbation or after sexual intercourse, minor injuries can occur due to insufficient lubrication, which can lead to spotting or light bleeding, known as postcoital bleeding. There is usually no cause for concern, but if you experience bleeding after vaginal intercourse on a regular basis or lose a significant amount of blood, consult your doctor. (3)
During Pregnancy
Approximately 25% of pregnant women experience light bleeding or spotting in the first trimester. Spotting is one of the common early signs of pregnancy; it may be related to embryo implantation in the uterus, or light bleeding may occur due to hormonal changes associated with pregnancy. Other possible causes of bleeding in pregnancy also include ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage, during which bleeding may also be accompanied by pain. (4)
Other Possible Reasons
In addition to the above causes, spotting is also a relatively common phenomenon when starting a new form of hormonal contraception, especially in the first few months. You may experience this, for example, with pills, contraceptive patches, or an intrauterine device. (5)
Spotting or bleeding outside of menstruation can be a result of certain medical conditions, such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or spotting may occur in the case of sexually transmitted infections. Therefore, if you are concerned about spotting outside of menstruation, we recommend contacting your doctor to find out the possible causes and prevent problems early.
Learn to Track Your Cycle
Regular menstrual cycle records can provide far more information than just the expected arrival of menstruation. If you want to keep track of your menstruation, bleeding (and spotting) days, and all accompanying symptoms, now is the right time to dive into cycle tracking.
Everything you need to know about the menstrual cycle from A to Z, you will learn in our webinar Cycle Harmony. In the follow-up webinar Symptothermal Method in Practice, we will teach you how to effectively track and record all symptoms of your cycle.
What else to read on FEMSPACE?
- Blood clots during menstruation
- Menstrual *red flags*: 7 signs to watch out for
- How hormonal contraception works
- How to start tracking your menstrual cycle
- What is vaginal discharge and how does it change during the cycle?
- 4 benefits of organic BIO cotton menstrual products
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With love
Team Femvie
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