A Crash Course in Menstrual Spotting

Menstrual spotting is menstrual bleeding that occurs at times other than during your period.

While menstrual spotting is a relatively uncommon problem, it's not always abnormal, or cause for worry. For some women, menstrual spotting is a normal part of their menstrual cycle.

Mid-Cycle Menstrual Spotting

Some women regularly experience menstrual spotting about halfway through their menstrual cycle. So, for example, if you have the average, 28 day menstrual cycle, you might experience menstrual spotting on or around day 14. In this case, some mild bleeding might be triggered by hormone changes that occur during ovulation.

If you experience menstrual spotting, make a note of it on your calendar. Then, when your period starts, count backwards to the day when you experienced menstrual spotting. If you experienced menstrual spotting about 14 days before your period began, this usually means the menstrual spotting you experienced is nothing to worry about.

Oral Contraceptives and Menstrual Spotting

If you are taking oral contraceptives, they might be the cause of menstrual spotting. Talk to your doctor about any menstrual spotting that might occur after you start taking oral contraceptives.

Could You Be Pregnant?

Menstrual spotting could be a sign that you're pregnant. If you're experiencing spotting that can't be explained by mid-cycle hormone changes, and there is the slimmest possibility that you could be pregnant, use a pregnancy test immediately to find out for sure.

Other Causes of Menstrual Spotting

Other things can cause menstrual spotting, like vaginal infections, bladder infections, cervical dysplasia, and polyps. If you think any of these conditions could be causing your menstrual spotting, see your doctor.

Seeing a Doctor for Menstrual Spotting

If you're experiencing menstrual spotting, and have any doubts about what could be causing it, see a doctor. They can diagnose your condition, and prescribe the proper treatment.

You should definitely see a doctor if:

* You experience unexplained menstrual spotting for 3 months or more.

* Pelvic pain accompanies menstrual spotting.

* Your menstrual spotting is accompanied by a fever.

* At the time when you usually have your period (during which you experience a normal menstrual flow) you experience menstrual spotting instead. This could mean you are pregnant.

You should also think about consulting a doctor if you have never experienced menstrual spotting before. Sometimes, changes in your menstrual cycle can be a sign of an undiagnosed medical condition.

For some women, menstrual spotting is a normal part of their menstrual cycle. But it's important to know when menstrual spotting is a sign of something more serious, and to seek medical attention when those signs occur.