What Are the Causes of Midcycle Bleeding?
Menstruation is a process that occurs when the uterus sheds its lining in preparation for a new reproductive cycle. Normal menstruation occurs every 21 to 35 days, and can last for a few or several days, depending on the individual. Midcycle spotting is any bleeding that occurs outside of normal menstruation, and can indicate underlying gynecological conditions.
Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous tumors that develop in the uterus 2. The exact cause of uterine fibroids is unknown, but estrogen imbalance is believed to be responsible, according to MedlinePlus 2. Uterine fibroids can range in size from microscopic to several pounds and usually develop in clusters 2. Small fibroids usually do not require immediate treatment and will be monitored for growth regularly. Large fibroids may be treated with hormone therapy or surgical removal of the individual fibroid or the entire uterus.
Endometriosis
Premenstrual Sciatic Nerve Pain
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Endometriosis is a condition characterized by abnormal growth of the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus that sheds during menstruation 3. In normal cases, the endometrium only grows inside the uterus. In those with endometriosis, the endometrium may grow on the fallopian tubes, ovaries or pelvic tissue 3. Even when the endometrium is located in abnormal places in the body, it still sheds as it would from the uterus. Some of the blood may exit the body, and some can become trapped and cause irritation and inflammation in surrounding areas. Symptoms of endometriosis include:
- painful periods
- pelvic pain
- heavy periods
- midcycle spotting
- infertility
- according to MayoClinic.com 3
Initial treatment attempts for endometriosis consist of medications and hormone therapy 3. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove the affected areas.
- Endometriosis is a condition characterized by abnormal growth of the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus that sheds during menstruation 3.
- Even when the endometrium is located in abnormal places in the body, it still sheds as it would from the uterus.
Cervicitis
The cervix is the narrow end of the uterus that opens into the vagina. Cervicitis is the inflammation of the cervix. Cervicitis is usually caused by an infection, such as chlamydia or herpes, but can also be caused by an allergy or exposure to chemicals, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center 4. Symptoms of cervicitis include midcycle spotting, unusual vaginal discharge, pain during sexual intercourse, vaginal pain and pelvic pressure. Most cases of cervicitis can be easily treated. Treatment involves freezing of the cervix, burning of the cervix, hormone therapy or medications.
- The cervix is the narrow end of the uterus that opens into the vagina.
- Cervicitis is usually caused by an infection, such as chlamydia or herpes, but can also be caused by an allergy or exposure to chemicals, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center 4.
Related Articles
References
- Mayo Clinic: Vaginal Bleeding
- MedlinePlus: Uterine Fibroids
- Mayo Clinic: Endometriosis
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cervicitis
- de la Cruz MS, Buchannan EM. Uterine fibroids: Diagnosis and treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2017 Jan 15;95(2):100-107.
- Gurusamy KS, Vaughan J, Fraser IS, Best LM, Richards T. Medical therapies for uterine fibroids - a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. PLoS ONE. 2016;11(2):e0149631. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0149631
- Donnez J, Dolmans MM. Uterine fibroid management: from the present to the future. Hum Reprod Update. 2016;22(6):665–686. doi:10.1093/humupd/dmw023
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Uterine Fibroids.
- The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. Uterine Fibroids.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Uterine Fibroids fact sheet.
- Lippman, SA et al. Uterine Fibroids and Gynecologic Pain Symptoms in a Population-Based Study. Fertility and Sterility. 2003 Dec;80(6):1488-94
Writer Bio
Lindsay Boyers has a Bachelor of Science in nutrition from Framingham State College and a certificate in holistic nutrition from the American College of Healthcare Sciences. She is also a licensed aesthetician with advanced training in skincare and makeup. She plans to continue on with her education, complete a master's degree program in nutrition and, ultimately, become a registered dietitian.