My Period Just Finished, So Why Am I Bleeding Again? 9 Reasons For Abnormal Vaginal Spotting

Your period finished just a few days back, so you are pretty sure that you can't possibly be having another one and yet here you are, definitely bleeding again. What's going on? Is this normal? What should you do now?

Bleeding between periods can be the result of a rather wide variety of causes, but all deserve to be taken seriously because indeed, while a minority of women routinely experiences an "ovulation bleeding" mid-cycle, vaginal bleeding or light spotting soon after a menstruation finishes is never normal.

Do you need to be worried? Not yet, because some causes of menometrorrhagia, as bleeding between periods is also called, are benign and easily solvable. Do not be complacent either, however, because receiving timely treatment is always a good thing.

1. Birth Control And Confused Hormones

Have you recently started using a form of hormonal contraception, such as combined oral contraceptives, a progesterone-only pill, the Mirena intrauterine device, Nexplanon, or Depo Provera? Note that bleeding that would otherwise be considered abnormal is very possible within the first three months of starting on any hormonal contraceptive. This phenomenon is the result of your body getting used to the hormones within your contraceptive.

Even after three months, such things as being ill, using certain medications, or forgetting to take a pill or two can cause abnormal bleeding.

2. Miscarriage

While menstrual periods do not, by definition, start, stop, and then start again, bleeding resulting from a miscarriage can do exactly that. Women who generally experience irregular periods are most likely to find themselves in this position, as they may have been pregnant for a while without knowing. They could have interpreted the initial bleeding as a period, whereas it was in fact the start of their miscarriage. However, so-called chemical pregnancies, essentially very, very early miscarriages, may also feature off-again, on-again bleeding occasionally.

3. Ectopic Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy is one that has implanted and is developing outside of the uterine cavity, typically within one of the fallopian tubes. Such pregnancies are not viable and can, if they are not treated and do not end on their own, quickly become life-threatening.

Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy can include intermittent vaginal bleeding, cramps or sharp pain, nausea and vomiting, pain in the shoulder, chills, and feeling weak to the point of thinking you may lose consciousness. Anyone experiencing these symptoms has good reason to visit the Emergency Room.

READ Do You Know Your Miscarriage Facts?

4. Uterine Polyps

Uterine polyps are, in short, endometrial tissue gone wild. When the inner lining of the uterus begins to overgrow, and you end up with a structure (or several) vaguely resembling a snail's eyes within your uterus, it's no wonder that you're experiencing some unpleasant symptoms. Most likely to strike in women over 40, the symptoms uterine polyps tend to cause are irregular menstrual bleeding, including spotting or heavier bleeding right after a period finished, infertility, and vaginal bleeding in post-menopausal women as well. Polyps are non-cancerous but do require medical supervision.

More Causes Of Bleeding After Your Period Just Finished

5. Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids, unlike uterine polyps, form within the uterus' muscular wall. Though benign, they can lead to heavy menstrual periods, prolonged bleeding, and bleeding during unusual times — including right after your period finished. A visibly bloated abdomen, and feeling of pressure within the abdomen, pain while engaging in sexual intercourse, urinary urgency, and pain in the back and legs are among the symptoms you may experience if you are suffering from uterine fibroids.

6. Infection

Common sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can sometimes lead to bleeding between periods in the early stages. STDs that go untreated for a prolonged amount of time can develop into pelvic inflammatory disease, which wreaks havoc on the reproductive system and can cause bleeding as well as chronic pain and infertility.

Not all infections of the reproductive system are sexually transmitted, however, and even yeast infections can lead to light spotting.

7. Rough Sex

We've got to mention it — particularly vigorous and enthusiastic intercourse can indeed do some damage. Positions that cause the cervix to take a hit are especially likely to result in some post-coital spotting. We are, mind you, talking about minor spotting here and not period-level bleeding.

8. Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which the endometrium, the tissue that would under normal circumstances line only your uterus, also grows within other reproductive structures such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Besides causing pain, pain, pain (during periods, during bowel movements, during sex, you name it), endometriosis can also lead to infertility, heavy bleeding during periods, and bleeding between periods. If besides recognizing these symptoms you're also pretty tired most of the time, have noticed abdominal bloating, and feel nauseous quite often, well, it's time to give your OBGYN a call.

9. Reproductive Cancers

Cervical, uterine, and ovarian cancer can all lead to abnormal vaginal bleeding. Cancer is of course the diagnosis most women will fear most. Though you're much more likely to be dealing with a different problem, know that the sooner you are diagnosed, the better your prognosis if you do have cancer.

Other Causes Of Bleeding After Your Period Just Finished

The perimenopause could be leading to highly irregular cycles, and yes, some women experience premature menopause as early as their 20s. Vaginal dryness can be the culprit if you're experiencing light-ish spotting, and retained endometrial tissue may be behind a heavier bleeding that takes place after you (thought you) finished your period. You could also be suffering from thyroid issues, or a medication you're taking could be the reason you're bleeding again.

If you feel like you're going to pass out or experience sharp pain at any point, visiting the ER is in order.

READ Bleeding Between Periods - Causes

Though your vaginal bleeding may be caused by something as innocent as forgetting to take a birth control pill, it's better to be safe than sorry.