Experiencing Spotting Between Periods?

Spotting between periods can be a real nuisance. After all, dealing with a regular period is bad enough, but having to break out the pads or panty liners mid-cycle is enough to drive any woman crazy. There are numerous factors that can cause spotting between periods, many of which are both harmless and treatable, and figuring out the cause of spotting is the first step toward making it go away.

Hormonal Changes and Spotting Between Periods

Spotting between periods can come as a result of hormonal changes or a hormonal imbalance. Those who begin using birth control pills are often unpleasantly surprised to learn that in the first few months, spotting between periods isn’t all that uncommon. Taking birth control inconsistently (skipping pills, failing to take pills around the same time each day) can also cause spotting between periods. In addition to birth control, issues with the thyroid can result in spotting between periods.

Physical Causes of Spotting Between Periods

Uterine fibroids or cervical polyps can also cause spotting between periods. These growths may sound scary, but they’re actually benign. On occasion, spotting between periods can signify some form of cancer, but this is rare compared to the number of benign causes of spotting out there.

Spotting Between Periods and Gonorrhea

Spotting between periods is a known gonorrhea symptom. When spotting between periods is accompanied by other symptom of STDs, such as thick vaginal discharge and pain during urination or intercourse, STD testing should be performed to pinpoint the cause. Anyone who has unprotected sex is at risk of contracting gonorrhea, and gonorrhea testing is the first step toward facilitating treatment of the disease and its associated symptoms.

Eliminating Spotting Between Periods

The treatment for spotting between periods depends on the reason behind it. Adjusting a birth control routine or taking medication to regulate the thyroid may help spotting between periods stop. In the case of gonorrhea, antibiotics can cure the infection and help symptoms like spotting between periods disappear. Keeping track of mid-cycle spotting is a good idea, as it will help a medical professional determine the cause.