Bleeding before your period is normal so you don't have to worry. Spotting is normal if your period is near, during ovulation, using an intrauterine device (IUD), or changing contraceptives. Outside of that condition, spotting blood outside of menstruation is usually classified as abnormal. Abnormal bleeding can be identified by checking if you have a fever, feel sick, other vaginal discharge, dizziness, and bruising. Also, consider whether health conditions, pregnancy, or sexual intercourse could be the cause. However, you should see a doctor if blood spots persist or you have other symptoms.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Recognizing Normal Blood Spots
Step 1. Check if your period is coming in the next few days
Seeing blood on a tissue or underpants is scary if it's not the time for menstruation. However, spotting in the week leading up to your period is normal. Check the calendar to see if your period is approaching. If so, your bloodstains are likely normal.
- It can be helpful to keep track of your menstrual cycles so you can know what's normal and what's not. It's possible that you have spotting every month before your period, and that's normal for you.
- If you haven't had any bloodstains before your period, there may be something wrong. There's no need to worry, but to be sure it's best to contact a doctor.
Step 2. Determine if you are ovulating, which can cause spotting
After ovulation, it is natural to see blood spots. Ovulation patches come out when the egg falls from the ovary. The color is pink because the blood is mixed with cervical fluid. Check your calendar to see if your menstrual cycle is on days 10 to 16, which means you're ovulating.
The menstrual cycle begins on the first day of menstruation. Normal ovulation occurs around day 14. Usually, it's a few days or about a week after your period stops
Step 3. Don't be surprised to see bloodstains in the first few months of using birth control
Birth control pills and IUDs can cause spotting between periods. This is a normal side effect of hormones from oral contraceptives or IUD implantation. If you've only started using birth control in the previous three months, consider that this could be the cause of your spotting.
Variation:
If you have an IUD, spotting can come out because the device slides out of place and rubs against the inside of the uterus. If that's the case, you'll also notice blood, feel pain, and have a heavier period. See a doctor if you have any concerns.
Step 4. Remember whether you are new to emergency contraception
Although safe, emergency contraception has the potential to cause spotting after use. This is usually nothing to worry about unless it persists. If you're worried, see a doctor to make sure everything is okay.
- For example, you may have a small amount of blood after taking Plan B.
- Although it is a rare side effect, blood spots can still come out due to the hormones in the emergency contraceptive pill.
Method 2 of 3: Recognizing Abnormal Blood Spots
Step 1. Notice if you experience any other symptoms
Abnormal blood spots can occur due to a pelvic infection, medical condition, or cancer. Try not to worry as there are many harmless causes. It is best to monitor for other medical conditions. See a doctor if you notice the following symptoms:
- Easy bruising
- Fever
- Dizzy
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
Step 2. Determine if blood spots are a symptom of PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that usually causes irregular periods and several other symptoms. In addition to irregular periods, you may experience spotting. If you have PCOS, consider that it might be the reason behind the spotting.
Symptoms of PCOS include irregular periods, excessive facial and body hair, acne, baldness (thin hair on the temples or top of the head), and enlarged ovaries. See your doctor if you suspect you have undiagnosed PCOS
Step 3. Consider whether the spotting comes out after sexual intercourse
You may notice blood spots after intercourse due to friction in the vagina or a medical problem. Sometimes it's not a big deal, but it can be a cause for concern. If the spot only comes out once, there's probably no problem. However, it's best to talk to your doctor if you have spotting after intercourse more than once or if you're really worried.
If your vagina is dry, there's a good chance you'll have spotting after sex. If that's the case, use a lubricant to help avoid future spotting
Step 4. Pregnancy test if there is any chance that you are pregnant
Spots can appear in the first days of pregnancy, when the fetus attaches to the uterine lining. However, spots can also appear in the first few weeks. If it's possible you're pregnant, do a self-test at home to see if that's the cause.
If the test is negative, but you don't get your period, take the test again or see a doctor
Step 5. Check with your doctor if you are pregnant
Try not to worry, but it's possible that spotting blood is a sign that something is wrong with your pregnancy. See a doctor to make sure you are not having an ectopic pregnancy, which means that the baby is developing in the fallopian tube. In addition, your doctor can make sure that you are not experiencing early symptoms of a miscarriage.
- If something goes wrong, the doctor will immediately start treatment to help you and your baby.
- Even though it's scary, there's a good chance that nothing will go wrong. Just make sure you see a doctor immediately as a safe step.
Step 6. Evaluate the risk of sexually transmitted diseases
Some infectious diseases can cause blood spots. You may catch a sexually transmitted disease if you have unprotected sex with a new partner or if you or your husband have more than one partner. Consider getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases, and talk to your husband to see if there are any risks.
If you catch a sexually transmitted disease, get treatment for a speedy recovery
Step 7. Check the side effects of the drugs you are taking
If you take medication, that may be the cause of the bloodstains. Don't stop taking your medication without talking to your doctor. Instead, see a doctor to ask about the drug and find out if that's the cause.
- In addition to birth control pills, other drugs such as blood thinners, antidepressants, and antipsychotics also have the potential to cause blood spots.
- The doctor may say that there is nothing to worry about, or change your medication.
Method 3 of 3: Getting Medical Treatment
Step 1. See a doctor if the spotting occurs repeatedly or there are signs of infection
Try not to worry, but you may need medical attention if spotting is frequent or accompanied by other symptoms. See a doctor to find out what is causing it. Then, ask if you need treatment.
Your doctor may confirm that your bleeding is normal or nothing to worry about. However, you need an official diagnosis to be sure as some causes of abnormal blood spots can be very serious
Step 2. Run diagnostic tests to determine the cause of abnormal bloodstains
Let the doctor run a series of diagnostic tests that are painless, but may be uncomfortable. Then, your doctor will make a formal diagnosis so you can get the treatment you need. The doctor will perform one or more of the following tests:
- A pelvic exam to look for signs of infection, fibroids, abnormal growths, or cancer.
- Vaginal culture to check for abnormal cells or infection.
- A simple blood test to check for infection or hormonal imbalance.
- Imaging tests to look for fibroids, abnormal growths, or problems with the reproductive system.
- Test for sexually transmitted diseases to make sure it's not an infection.
Tip:
For women who have not had their period, the doctor may review their medical history and perform a physical examination. However, the doctor may also perform blood tests, diabetes tests, thyroid tests, bleeding studies, hemoglobin and platelet studies, or tests under anesthesia. If you are postmenopausal, you may need blood tests, a transvaginal ultrasound, or an endometriosis biopsy if your doctor is concerned about cancer. If you are a woman of childbearing age, you may need a pregnancy test and blood test, thyroid test, liver disease test, and imaging tests to look for the cause of the spotting. If you are not pregnant, your doctor will perform a complete blood count (HDL), fasting glucose, HgAIC, ultrasound, FSH/LH, thyroid test, prolactin level test, and possibly an endometriosis biopsy. If you are pregnant, your doctor may do a transvaginal ultrasound or a blood type test if you are in the first trimester. In the next trimester, the doctor may perform a transabdominal ultrasound to determine the location of the placenta.
Step 3. Call your doctor immediately if you become pregnant
It's probably nothing to worry about, but it's best to check with your doctor. Sometimes, blood spots mean that something is wrong, but a doctor can make sure everything is okay. Make an appointment with a doctor on the same day or visit the ER for immediate treatment.
Try not to worry as there may not be a serious problem. However, make sure that you and your baby are okay
Step 4. Talk to your doctor if you are menopausal and have bleeding
After menopause, you should not bleed from the vagina. If that happens, it's possible that something went wrong. Visit your doctor to find out the cause so you can get the treatment you need.
