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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- Medline Plus: Vaginal Bleeding Between Periods
- Medline Plus: Cervicitis
- Women's Health: Uterine Fibroids
- MayoClinic.com: Endometriosis
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
What Causes Cramps & Brown Spotting?
Normal menstruation involves the shedding of the uterine lining to signal the beginning of a new reproductive cycle and it occurs every 28 to 35 days, depending on the individual. Spotting is abnormal bleeding that occurs in between normal menstrual cycles. The brown color often associated with spotting is usually seen when blood has taken longer than usual to exit the body. The conditions that cause brown spotting often cause abdominal cramps as well.
Cervicitis
Cervicitis literally means inflammation of the cervix, which is the narrow end of the uterus 2. Medline Plus notes that cervicitis is a fairly common condition that affects approximately half of all women at some point 2. Cervicitis usually develops as a result of a sexually transmitted infection, but can occasionally be caused by exposure to chemical irritants, the use of a diaphragm and allergies to condoms, Medline Plus says 2. Symptoms of cervicitis include brown spotting between periods, pain during or after intercourse, unusual vaginal discharge or cramps and pressure in the abdomen and pelvis 12. Most cases of cervicitis can be successfully treated with a series of antibiotics 2. In those who do not respond to medication, minor surgeries may be needed.
Uterine Fibroids
What Are the Causes of Midcycle Bleeding?
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Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that grow in the lining of the uterus 3. Fibroids can take on various shapes and may range in size from miniscule to several inches in diameter. Uterine fibroids usually develop in groups; it is rare to see a single fibroid 3. The cause of fibroids is unknown, but Women’s Health notes that a combination of hormonal imbalances and genetics is believed to be involved 3. The risk of developing fibroids increases with age and in those who are obese. Some fibroids are so small that they do not require treatment, but larger fibroids may require removal of the fibroid alone or the entire uterus, Women’s Health says 3.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition that occurs when the tissue that lines the uterus, called the endometrium, begins to grow on other reproductive organs, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes 4. The endometrium is the tissue that is shed during menstruation, and it behaves similarly even when present on other organs. The endometrium will shed from the ovaries and the fallopian tubes and cause brown spotting between periods. Some of the blood may become trapped, which can result in pelvic pain and cramps. Other symptoms of endometriosis include painful periods, heavy periods and infertility 4. The Mayo Clinic notes that the cause of endometriosis is still unknown 4. Treatment for endometriosis varies, but generally consists of pain medications, hormonal therapy and surgery 4.
Related Articles
References
- Medline Plus: Vaginal Bleeding Between Periods
- Medline Plus: Cervicitis
- Women's Health: Uterine Fibroids
- MayoClinic.com: Endometriosis
- 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.