Q: What are the causes of spotting?
There are many possible reasons, and a check-up with your doctor will help find out why you are experiencing spotting.
Possible Causes Of Spotting (not necessarily pregnancy related:
- Anovulation (unopposed estrogen)
- Ovulation bleeding
- Low progesterone: Shortened or prolonged corpus luteum life span; abnormal relative ratio of estrogen to progesterone
- Implantation bleeding
- Cervical infection
- Endometrial polyp
- Beginning or stopping hormones (for example, oral contraceptives, progesterone)
- Stress
- IUDs
- Trauma or injury to the vagina or cervix
- Cancer (vagina, cervix, endometrium, ovary)
- Certain drugs (for example, anticoagulants)
- Vaginal dryness
- After gynecological procedures (HSG, laparoscopy, biopsy, D&C, cervical cauterization)
Pregnancy related:
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Threatened abortion
- Spontaneous abortion (miscarriage)
- Molar pregnancy
- Placenta previa
- Abruptio placentae
- Vasa previa
- Cervical dilation