Bleeding between periods can be normal, so try not to worry. Bleeding is likely to be normal if you are near the beginning of your period, if you are ovulating, have an intrauterine device (IUD) inserted, or have recently changed your contraceptive method. If the cause is not one of the above, the leak is likely to be abnormal. You can identify abnormal bleeding by the presence of symptoms such as fever, pain, discharge, dizziness, and bruising. Also, consider the possibility that a medical condition of yours, pregnancy, or sex is the cause of the escape. However, there is no doubt that you will need to see your doctor if you have frequent bleeding or other symptoms as well.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Recognizing Normal Escape Bleeding
Step 1. Check if your period is about to come down
Seeing blood on the toilet paper you used or your panties can be frightening if you're not on your period. However, it is completely normal to see leaks in the week before menstruation. Look on the calendar to see if it's close to that time of month. If so, your bleeding is probably normal.
- It's a good idea to monitor your period to be able to differentiate the usual from the unusual. You may have bleeds every month in the days before your period, which may be normal for you.
- If you have never had an escape bleed before, there is possibly a problem. It's probably not a big deal, but call a doctor to be sure.
Step 2. See if you are ovulating as this can lead to leaks
It is normal to see some bleeding after you ovulate. Ovulation escape bleeds happen when eggs leave the ovary. As a rule, the exhaust comes out a shade of pink, as it is a mixture of blood and cervical discharge. Check the calendar to see if it's between the 10th and 16th of your menstrual cycle, which would be your ovulation period.
Your cycle starts on the first day of your period. Ovulation usually occurs around day 14, which falls within a few days or about a week after menstruation ends
Step 3. Don't be surprised if you experience escape bleeding in the first few months of using a new birth control method
Both pills and an intrauterine device can lead to escape bleeding between menses. It is a normal side effect of hormones present in oral methods and intrauterine device implantation. If you started using a new contraceptive within the last three months, this may be the cause of your escape bleed.
Variation:
If you use an IUD, leak bleeding may be caused by the device moving and scratching the inside of the uterus. If so, you may notice bleeding, pain, and heavier menstrual bleeding. Check with your doctor if you think this may be happening to you.
Step 4. Think about whether you have recently used an emergency contraceptive
Although this type of contraceptive is safe, it can cause leakage bleeds after its use. As a rule, it's not something to worry about unless the bleeding persists. If you are worried, go to a doctor to make sure everything is ok.
- For example, you may have a little escape after taking the morning-after pill.
- Although bleeding is a rare side effect, it can still occur because of the hormones contained in the drug.
Method 2 of 3: Identifying Abnormal Escape Bleeding
Step 1. See if you are experiencing other symptoms
Bleeding can be the result of a pelvic infection, illness, or cancer. Try not to worry as there are several benign causes for this problem. Instead, monitor your health to see if there are any other symptoms possibly related to a medical condition. Go to the doctor if you notice you have any of these symptoms:
- Bruises that arise easily.
- Fever.
- Dizziness.
- Abdominal or pelvic pain.
- Abnormal discharge.
Step 2. Investigate whether your exhaust could be a symptom of PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal disease that usually leads to dysregulated menstruation, among other symptoms. Leakage bleeding can be part of an unregulated cycle. If you know you have this syndrome, it could be the cause of your bleeding.
Symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome include unregulated menstruation, excess facial and body hair, acne, male pattern baldness (hair loss in areas near the temple and on top of the head), and enlarged ovaries. Go to the doctor if you suspect you have the disease but have not yet been diagnosed
Step 3. See if bleeding started after intercourse
You may bleed after sex from a scratch inside your vagina or other medical reasons. Sometimes it's not a big deal, but it can be something to worry about. If you've only bled once, it's probably okay with you, but it's best to talk to your doctor if this happens more than once or if you're very worried.
If you suffer from vaginal dryness, you are more likely to have bleeding after sex. If this is the case, using lubricant can help prevent future leaks
Step 4. Take a pregnancy test if you think it might be the beginning of one
Leakage bleeding can occur in the first few days of a pregnancy, when the baby implants in the wall of the uterus. However, it can still occur in a period that covers the first weeks of pregnancy. If you think you might be pregnant, take a drugstore pregnancy test to find out if this is the cause of your bleeding.
If it's negative but your period still doesn't come down, have another test or talk to your doctor
Step 5. Go for an appointment if you are pregnant
Try not to worry, but it's possible that the leak could signal that there's something wrong with your pregnancy. Go to the doctor to make sure the pregnancy is not ectopic, which is when the baby grows in the fallopian tubes. In addition, your doctor can check that you are not experiencing the first signs of a miscarriage.
- If something goes wrong, your doctor will start your treatment right away to help you and your baby.
- As scary as it is, it's possible that everything is okay, but be sure to see a doctor right away to be on the safe side.
Step 6. Assess your risk of having a sexually transmitted disease (STD)
Some STDs can cause vaginal bleeding. You are at greater risk of getting one if you have had unprotected sex with a new partner or if your sex partner has sex with people other than you. Consider getting tested and talk to your partner to see if he or she is at risk of having something.
If you do have an STD, it will most likely be treated and will recover easily
Step 7. Read about the side effects of the medications you are taking
If you are on medication, this may be the cause of your bleeding. Do not stop taking any medication without talking to your doctor. Instead, make an appointment to ask him about the remedy and find out if this is causing the leaks.
- In addition to birth control pills, blood thinners, antidepressants, and antipsychotics can all cause breakouts between periods.
- Your doctor may say that bleeding is not something to worry about, or they may say that you should change your medication.
Method 3 of 3: Getting Medical Treatment
Step 1. Go to the doctor if leaks are recurrent or if you have symptoms of an infection
Try not to worry, but you may need to get medical attention if bleeding occurs frequently and is accompanied by other symptoms. Go to the doctor to find out what might be causing the leaks. Ask your doctor if you will need any treatment.
Your doctor can only confirm that the bleeding is normal and not a cause for concern. However, you need an official diagnosis to be sure, because in some cases abnormal leaks can be serious
Step 2. Perform a diagnostic test to find out what is causing the abnormal bleeding
Accept the tests your doctor wants to do. They won't cause pain, but they can create discomfort. Then your doctor will make a formal diagnosis so you can get the treatment you need. Your doctor will order at least one of the following tests:
- A pelvic exam to look for signs of infection, fibroids, abnormal growths or cancer.
- Vaginal secretion culture to check for abnormal cells or an infection.
- Simple and painless blood test to check for an infection or hormonal mismatch.
- Imaging tests to investigate the existence of fibroids, abnormal growths or any problem in the reproductive system.
- STD diagnostic tests to rule out this type of infection.
Tip:
If you have never had a period, your doctor may simply look at your medical history or perform a physical exam. However, it may ask for a blood test, a diagnostic test for diabetes, a thyroid test, a scan, a hemoglobin and platelet test, or a test that requires anesthesia. If you are postmenopausal, you may need a blood test, a transvaginal or endometrial biopsy if your doctor suspects cancer. If you are of childbearing age, you will probably need a pregnancy test and may need a blood test, thyroid test, tests to look for liver disease, and imaging tests to look for possible causes of this bleeding. If you are not pregnant, your doctor will likely order a complete blood count, a fasting glucose test, a glucose hemoglobin test, an ultrasound, an FSH/LH test, a thyroid test, another to check your prolactin level, and perhaps an endometrial biopsy. If you are pregnant, your doctor may order you for a transvaginal ultrasound or blood typing test if you are in your first semester. When the pregnancy is more advanced, he may order a transabdominal ultrasound to locate your placenta.
Step 3. Call your doctor promptly if you are pregnant to be on the safe side
You probably don't need to worry, but it's best to talk to your doctor. Sometimes leaks mean something is wrong, but the doctor can check that everything is okay. Make a fit appointment with your doctor or go to the ER for immediate assistance.
Try not to be worried, as it is possible that there is no problem at all. However, it's important to make sure you and the baby are okay
Step 4. Tell your doctor if you have already gone through menopause and are experiencing escape bleeds
After menopause, you should not experience any vaginal bleeding. If this happens, it is possible that you have a problem. Consult with your doctor to find out the cause of the leak so that you can receive treatment if necessary.