Most of us have a period flow that lasts between 5 and 7 days, and though it is not the average menstrual cycle, the most commonly referenced menstrual cycle is about 28 days (counted from the first day of your last period to the first day of your next one) Show
But, of course, our bodies are living beings and thus, variability is inevitable. Sometimes people who menstruate experience things like:
Sometimes it can be difficult to tell what’s “normal” when it comes to menstrual cycles, and as a result, many people are confused by their own periods. This is further worsened by the fact that some still find it uncomfortable to discuss these things. So, let’s try to clear up some of the confusion and help you understand why you could experience bleeding after menses. End of Period or Something Else?If you’re bleeding *right* after your period, it might simply be one of the lighter days at the end of your cycle and not necessarily a health concern. The light days at the beginning and end can manifest more as “spotting.” This can be confusing: Has your period begun? Is it ending? Or is there something else happening? The blood at the beginning and the end of a period is most often a brown color (because it is older blood). But, if your period has ended and you start bleeding, a good first step (before you call a health professional) is to understand if you’re bleeding or spotting. Are You Spotting or Experiencing Vaginal Bleeding Between Periods?Monthly periods (menses or menstrual bleeding) typically include lighter and heavier days. Some describe the lighter days at the start or end of their period as spotting. However, although it can be difficult to tell the difference, menstruation, spotting, and non-period bleeding between periods are different. What’s the Difference?In general, spotting is any kind of light bleeding that occurs outside of menstrual bleeding (i.e., the shedding of the lining of the uterus). While spotting has a lot of different causes (see below), it is generally lighter and does not require more than a panty liner. If you experience heavy bleeding that is not menstrual bleeding, you should seek immediate medical care. Here’s an overview to help you tell the difference: How to Tell the Difference Between Your Period and SpottingWhat Could Cause Bleeding After a Period Ends?There can be many explanations of vaginal bleeding between periods. Some of these are health concerns that warrant a visit to the doctor, and others are less concerning. This list is not exhaustive but includes the most common explanations for bleeding or spotting between periods (intermenstrual bleeding). Birth Control/Hormonal Contraceptives Causes
Other Causes
Common InfectionsThe following infections can cause spotting between periods. It’s worth noting that most infections are treatable. However, it's important to see a doctor as infections can become more serious if symptoms are ignored.
Pregnancy-Related Causes
Other Causes
Perimenopause & Menopause
When to Seek Medical Advice: Signs & SymptomsIf experiencing persistent spotting or heavy bleeding outside of your period and/or your bleeding is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, it warrants getting some medical advice from your doctor or a qualified health professional. Heavy vaginal or uterine bleeding may increase the risk of other conditions such as anemia, which can negatively impact your health, so it’s wise to closely monitor how much you’re bleeding. Keep track of the number of pads or tampons used and saturated when you’re bleeding. Abnormal blood loss can be estimated by tracking the number of pads or tampons used and how quickly they become soaked. Soaking a pad or a tampon within 1 hour indicates heavy menstrual or uterine bleeding at a concerning rate. When to See Your DoctorIf any of the following symptoms accompany irregular vaginal or uterine bleeding, it warrants a trip to the doctor:
Don't Ignore Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding or Abnormal Uterine Bleeding in These CasesEven if you don’t have any of the above symptoms, don’t ever ignore abnormal vaginal bleeding or abnormal uterine bleeding in the following situations:
Questions the Doctor Might AskIt’s very natural to be nervous about seeking medical advice. But it’s also smart to remember that a doctor may be able to quickly resolve a concern that’s causing you much stress and many sleepless nights, especially if they have all of the information that they need. So, if there’s anything about your cycle that’s causing you concern (like abnormal uterine bleeding), we recommend biting the bullet and booking that doctor’s appointment. Be Prepared to Discuss These TopicsWhen you see your doctor, they may need to know:
Based on your answers, the doctor may need to perform certain tests. Treatment, management and recommendations will always depend on the cause. But you’ll have taken a step in the right direction by seeking medical advice. Medically reviewed by Dr. Chimsom T. Oleka, M.D, Written by Jane Flanagan — Updated on November 1, 2021. Is it normal to bleed a few days after your period?Some women may have blood remaining in their uterus after their period has ended. In such cases, the uterus may contract to remove the blood. As the old blood is forced out, these contractions can cause cramping and brown or black spotting.
Why am I bleeding 3 days after my period finished?If the blood flow is light, it is called 'spotting. ' Bleeding between periods can have a range of causes, including hormonal changes, injury, or an underlying health condition. Bleeding between periods refers to any bleeding that occurs after the period ends, or before the period is due to begin.
Why am I bleeding again after my period is over?Bleeding between menstrual cycles can be due to structural issues within the uterus or womb, including endometrial polyps or fibroids. Polyps are small abnormal tissue growths that can occur in a number of places, including the cervix and uterus. Most polyps are benign, or noncancerous.
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