Bloody discharge a week after menstruation: causes

My period started in a week - reasons

There are plenty of cases of bleeding that is not associated with menstruation. The cause can be either natural changes in a woman’s body or certain pathological conditions that require immediate medical attention.

Endometritis

Bloody discharge a week after menstruation may be a symptom of chronic endometritis (inflammation of the endometrium). Typically, this disease can develop due to diseases and infections that are sexually transmitted. Endometritis that is left untreated can cause polyps to appear.

Hypothyroidism

If your period starts a week after your period ends, this may indicate a decrease in thyroid hormone levels. Increased fatigue, irritability, fatigue are symptoms that also indicate this pathology. To make a diagnosis and further treatment, you must consult an endocrinologist as soon as possible.

Ectopic pregnancy

If bleeding begins a week after menstruation has already occurred and at the same time:

• accompanied by unpleasant sensations in the lower abdomen,
• decreased blood pressure,
• dizziness,

then its cause may be an ectopic pregnancy, a case when the attachment of a fertilized egg occurs outside the uterine cavity. This type of pregnancy is dangerous and requires immediate medical intervention, as it can be fatal.

Anovulation

If after the last period they start again a week later, then this may be one of the symptoms of anovulation. This is the name for a pathology in which there is no monthly ovulation. This condition is usually caused by:

• irregular menstrual cycle
• the appearance of slight bleeding from the uterus at any time.

Ovulation

During ovulation, the level of estrogen, the female sex hormone, changes in the body. It is hardly possible to feel the moment of release of the egg from the ovary into the fallopian tube as a result of rupture of a mature follicle, but it is quite possible to notice small discharges. And this is a normal situation, which is not a deviation from the norm.

Uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are another reason that menstruation can begin immediately after the critical days have just ended. As a rule, fibroids are one of the most common diseases in women during the late reproductive period and menopause.

Typical symptoms of uterine fibroids include:

• Menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)
• Feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen
• Cramping pain in the lower abdomen.

Endometriosis

If your period begins a week after your period has already passed, then this may be a symptom of endometriosis (brown discharge). In this disease, endometrial cells (the inner layer of the uterine wall) grow outside this layer. Sometimes they are localized in the vagina or cervix. With endometriosis, bleeding leads to inflammation in the surrounding tissues, which can lead to the following problems

• Pelvic pain
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Increased and lengthened menstrual flow
• Infertility

Menstrual irregularities

It happens that a woman begins her period two weeks after the previous one. Most likely, this indicates menstrual irregularities. The reason may be:

• Overwork
• Climate change
• Time zone change (jet lag)
• Chronic lack of sleep
• Hormonal disbalance

In any case, consulting a gynecologist will not hurt.

We care about your health

Any vaginal discharge is associated with the functioning of the secretory organs of the reproductive system in a woman. They have a protective and moisturizing function, protecting against infection and creating a normal environment for the healthy functioning of organs.

When does discharge occur?

Discharge appears in growing girls several months before the onset of menstruation. Secretion may vary in properties and quantity, since there is a dependence on the general hormonal background, the onset of sexual activity, and the stage of the cycle. In the middle of the menstrual cycle, when ovulation occurs, the amount of secretion can increase significantly. The same thing happens just before menstruation.

One of the main symptoms indicating the presence of a gynecological disease is pathological discharge. However, it is impossible to characterize the discharge and establish a diagnosis on this basis.

How to distinguish normal discharge from pathological ones

Characteristic differences of pathological discharge:

• Discomfortable sensations accompanying discharge of different shades during any cyclic period. Itching, unpleasant odor, mild pain in the pelvic organs appear;
• Leucorrhoea appears - a cheesy discharge of predominantly white, yellowish or pinkish tints. They are stronger and thicker in comparison with the usual properties of the secretion;
• Bloody discharge of different shades that occurs during any period except the current menstruation;
• Excessive bleeding during menstruation.

The listed types of discharge are symptoms of diseases of various origins, acute and chronic inflammation, and developing formations. Diseases can be related to gynecology, or they can be of a completely different nature, unrelated to the reproductive system.

The difference between normal discharge is the absence of discomfort, no burning sensation, no negative reaction from the genital organs. In the study of smears for flora, lactobacilli predominate, leukocytes are normal. The secretion of a healthy woman resembles mucus of normal nature and transparency, without an unpleasant odor or inclusions. The second half of the cycle may be characterized by stronger discharge, pain both in the pelvic area and in the external organs of the reproductive system.

Types of discharge

They are divided according to location.

• Vaginal. The most common type. Should be present in small amounts in a healthy vagina. A large volume can be caused by pathology, for example, colpitis. The cause is determined through examination.
• Uterine. They indicate the course of pathology in the area of ​​the uterine mucosa (fibroids, endometrial diseases, neoplasms).
• Pipe. They are rare. Indicate inflammation in the fallopian tube.
• Vestibular. They have the appearance of leucorrhoea, localized in the outer part of the genital organs, involving the vagina.

The purpose of diagnosis in the presence of secretions is to determine the source of the secretion and analyze its nature. Preliminary analysis is carried out by abundance, consistency, color. Full analysis - based on laboratory research.

The most common types of discharge:

• Normal transparent mucous membranes, observed outside of menstruation;
• Curdled white or purulent greenish - evidence of inflammation, infectious disease;
• Bloody spotting of different shades in the middle of the cycle indicates a hormonal imbalance and the presence of erosion.

An alarming symptom should be the appearance of bloody discharge in the middle of the cycle, accompanied by severe pain, dizziness, decreased blood pressure, palpitations, and increased sweating. This is the basis for calling an ambulance.

If there are sharp pains with contractions in the lower abdomen, dizziness, severe weakness, this may indicate internal bleeding. Urgent assistance required.

It happens that vaginal discharge is the only sign of an ongoing disease. They are irregular and appear periodically. Laboratory testing is required to make a correct diagnosis. Regular preventive examinations with a gynecologist with tests according to the main list (general urine and blood, smear) help to identify hidden diseases that are asymptomatic.

Discharge in gynecological diseases. Causes and treatment

In women with constant hormonal imbalance, as well as those suffering from infertility, continuous discharge that is not inflammatory in nature is observed.

The following types of discharge are characterized as pathological and require treatment:

• In the form of a curdled mass, or in the form of a film or plaque: thrush (candidiasis);
• Transparent mucus with white inclusions, appears at the end of the cycle: erosion, inflammatory process in the cervix;
• Dirty white, in the form of layered films, having a strong unpleasant odor: vaginal dysbiosis;
• In the form of a bubbling yellowish substance: trichomoniasis (infectious disease);
• Abundant green and yellow, uniform consistency: inflammation of the ovaries (exacerbation), inflammation of the fallopian tubes;
• Purulent, thick, worsening after any effort: purulent cervicitis;
• Weak yellowish and greenish, homogeneous: infection with bacterial flora, chronic disease;
• Weak bloody dark colors: endometriosis, polyps;
• Pink with blood inclusions, with a strong odor: chronic pathology in the uterus;
• Dark liquid discharge immediately after menstruation: chronic endometrial disease;
• Large clots during the current menstruation: pathology of blood clotting, polyps, cervical inflexion. The reason may be an intrauterine device;
• Mild bloody, suddenly appearing during pregnancy: placental abruption;
• Immediately after artificial termination of pregnancy, the nature of the discharge varies. Ultrasound guidance is required.
• If, after the abortion procedure, purulent discharge joins the bloody discharge, we can talk about the onset of an infection. The danger is the accompanying pain and high temperature. You should not hesitate to visit a doctor. However, prolonged scanty discharge (sometimes more than a month) can be considered normal.

Based on an examination of the discharge and the diagnosis, the gynecologist prescribes adequate treatment.

Prevention of pathological discharge as a consequence of acute and chronic diseases of a gynecological and other nature is personal hygiene, regular medical examinations, protected sexual intercourse, and timely response to secondary symptoms of the disease.

It should also be taken into account that taking certain medications affects the course of the cycle and may cause minor discharge. Hormonal contraceptives have the same property.

How to stop heavy bleeding during menstruation

Bleeding during menstruation is often difficult to bear and is accompanied by weakness, nausea, pain and other unpleasant phenomena.

In some cases, heavy bleeding during menstruation is normal, but most menstrual irregularities are associated with pathologies of internal organs and require competent medical intervention.

The cause of severe blood loss during menstruation is usually an infectious disease of the reproductive system, hormonal imbalance, fibrous tumors, uterine and endometrial polyps, cancer, abnormal position of the intrauterine device, blood diseases that impair coagulation.

With short and irregular heavy discharge, such periods can be considered an isolated deviation. If bleeding during menstruation continues for more than 5 days, it is better to promptly determine the cause by contacting a gynecologist, and find a way to stop menstrual bleeding as soon as possible.

How to distinguish periods from bleeding

Pathological uterine bleeding is a consequence of dysfunction of the organs that regulate the menstrual cycle. Dysfunctional bleeding can be caused by fibroids, adenomyosis, polyps, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, hypothyroidism, and iron deficiency. Miscarriage and early ectopic pregnancy can cause bleeding. Taking anticoagulants and inserting an intrauterine device can cause uterine bleeding as a complication.

A sign of uterine bleeding may be heavy bleeding during menstruation, especially if it lasts more than a week. A large number of blood clots, weakness, a feeling of fatigue, sharp and aching pain in the lower back and lower abdomen, anemia also indicate the presence of dysfunctional bleeding. Bleeding between periods clearly indicates pathology.

If fibroids are present, uterine bleeding can only be stopped through surgery. For polyps, drug treatment is also impossible; hysteroscopy is performed for treatment.

How to stop heavy bleeding during menstruation

When abnormal bleeding occurs or during heavy periods, hormonal and non-hormonal hemostatic agents are often used. Medicines whose action is based on changes in hormonal levels are recommended to be taken as prescribed, since only a specialist will be able to develop an individual dosage regimen that will prevent complications and recurrent bleeding. Self-medication with hormonal drugs often causes additional pathologies, fertility disorders and complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

Why does the color of menstrual discharge change?

The color changes because the discharge is a combination of menstrual blood, vaginal secretions, and loose uterine lining (these are the same clots you may have noticed when changing hygiene products). On different days of menstruation, their composition and consistency are not the same. As you already know, in the very first and last days the color of normal menstruation is dark, the rest of the time it is red or brownish. The cause of changes in the color of menstrual discharge can be hormonal fluctuations, taking oral contraceptives, stress, hypothermia, pregnancy, and various diseases.

Blood clots during menstruation

Some consider the phenomenon of menstruation with blood clots to be a completely normal and natural process, but for many women this causes concern.

A woman’s reproductive system is incredibly fragile, and not only her ability to give birth to a healthy child, but also her well-being and self-confidence depends on her health. So, let's figure out why there are blood clots during menstruation and whether you should worry about it.

Physiology of a woman

We all know that menstruation is a certain period in the cycle of a healthy reproductive system. In the first part of the menstrual cycle, the egg matures. Also at this time, the walls of the uterus noticeably thicken, as the uterus prepares to carry an embryo.

Most often, if blood clots come out during menstruation, this is not a pathology, but on the contrary, a completely normal phenomenon. The fact is that during menstruation not only an unfertilized egg is released, but also the functional layer of the endometrium is exfoliated. Moderate bleeding is considered a sign of normal menstruation; this is about 250 ml of blood in 4 days. To simplify calculations, with such a quantity of discharge, a woman uses no more than 5 sanitary pads per day. Also, menstrual blood is characterized by a scarlet color at the beginning of menstruation, by the end of menstruation it may darken noticeably, and blood clots during menstruation will turn brown.

There is another type of blood clot during menstruation - these are thrombus-like clots. They appear if blood clots in the vagina. This phenomenon is usually observed by women with heavy periods, and if such blood clots appear frequently during menstruation, and a woman uses more than 5-6 pads per day, it is necessary to immediately consult a doctor, since such periods can cause severe blood loss.

In any case, if your periods are accompanied by blood clots, are not very heavy and are moderately painful, there is nothing to worry about. Menstruation during pregnancy, heavy and very painful periods should be a cause for concern.

Normal discharge

Normal vaginal discharge between periods is practically not felt by a woman. The liquid component of the secretion partially evaporates under the influence of body temperature, and only a small amount of mucus can flow out.

Main characteristics of normal intermenstrual discharge1,2,3,4:

• quantity
  - depending on the day of the cycle, the volume of discharge can range from 0.06 to 4 ml per day; You can consider the amount of mucous secretion normal if the size of the spot on the panty liner does not exceed 5 cm;
• consistency
  - vaginal discharge, depending on the phase of the cycle, can be thin (immediately after menstruation), viscous (during ovulation) or creamy (in the second phase of the cycle);
• color
  - mucus usually has a light shade, which can vary: from transparent secretion in the first half of the cycle to white discharge before menstruation; mucus stains on panty liners become yellowish as a result of interaction with oxygen;
• structure
  - the discharge can be either homogeneous or with small lumps (these are particles of constantly renewed epithelial tissue of the vagina);
• odor
  - before menstruation, white discharge may have a slightly sour odor (the pH of the mucous secretion is normally from 4.0 to 4.5), during other phases of the cycle there is usually no odor;
• itching
  – normal vaginal secretions do not cause itching or irritation of the external genitalia.

The nature of intermenstrual discharge depends on the phase of the cycle and some other factors related to a woman’s reproductive health2,3.

In the middle of the cycle (before ovulation).

Transparent discharge has a consistency similar to raw egg white (stretchy, mucous), and can be quite copious and watery.

In the second half of the cycle.

Unlike liquid mucus after menstruation, white discharge after ovulation is more viscous in consistency and less intense.

Before menstruation.

During this period, the mucous secretion has a creamy consistency. Light beige or white discharge before menstruation is normal.

During menstruation.

In the first 1-2 days of menstruation, bleeding can be quite intense, the discharge has a rich red color, and may include small clots. Towards the end of menstruation, the discharge becomes less abundant and acquires a darker color, as the blood quickly clots.

After sexual intercourse.

The discharge may be copious, transparent, white, slightly yellowish, with clots. All this is a variant of the norm.

When starting to take oral contraceptives.

During the first few weeks of taking hormonal medications, spotting brownish vaginal discharge may appear.

During pregnancy.

During the period of bearing a child, mucous secretion is released more intensely. It has a liquid consistency and white color and does not cause discomfort. Any vaginal bleeding during pregnancy is a reason to urgently consult a doctor.

After childbirth.

Within 1-2 months after the birth of a child, a woman experiences bloody discharge (lochia), the intensity of which gradually decreases.

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