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What Causes Light Bleeding After Periods?

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Posted on Fri, 2 May 2014
Question: Hi my LMP was 1st April ended on 6th April. I had some brownish discharge on 12 April, and then today had some light bleeding. doesn't look like a full period. Please help with what the cause is. This question 8 for a gynae.
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Answered by Dr. Madhuri N Bagde (22 minutes later)
Brief Answer: Detailed answer provided. Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome, I am Dr Madhuri a consultant Ob Gyn and will be answering your query. There are a few possibilities in this kind of bleeding. 1. Cervical erosion: is a condition where there is inflammation of the cervix. So its lining becomes friable and bleeds. 2. cervical or uterine polyp: These are estrogen dependent non cancerous growth of the cervix or the uterine lining and may cause light to heavy bleeding. 3. Ovarian cysts or tumors cause hormonal imbalance and irregular bleed. 4. Ovulation may sometimes be associated with spotting. Other causes are uterine fibroids, contraceptive pills or drugs used for contraception, pelvic infections [ less likely as mostly lead to post coital bleed] and hormonal imbalance. Very rare causes are cancer cervix and uterus. Unlikely at your age. So do not worry. However the first step in every woman with abnormal bleeding, irrespective of the date of the last period is to get a urine pregnancy test done. This is because sometimes implantation bleeding that occurs about the same time as an expected period may mimic a period. If it is negative, check to see if you are using any drugs like birth control pills, intrauterine devices [like mirena or copper T or multiload] for birth control. Most of the time it occurs due to transient hormonal imbalances that are self correcting. So regular exercise and healthy diet may help to correct the problem. If it persists then , the next step is examination by a gynecologist as local causes like polyps, erosions and infections can be detected only by per speculum examination of the cervix and vagina. An ultrasound may be needed to determine the uterine and ovarian causes like fibroids and ovarian cysts. A hormonal test may also be needed and will be advised by your doctor. So as of now, just check with a urine pregnancy test and check your medicines. Follow a healthy diet and exercise daily for 30 minutes. If the problem persists, see a doctor and get evaluated. Do not worry. The causes are very common and treatable. Hope this satisfies your query. Thanks for using HCM. Feel free to ask any more questions that you may have. Dr Madhuri Bagde Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Madhuri N Bagde (7 hours later)
Thank you XXXXXXX this was helpful. Just another small piece of advice. I am in another country and will be returning on 27th April, can I wait until then or should I see a doc immediately
doctor
Answered by Dr. Madhuri N Bagde (8 minutes later)
Brief Answer: No urgency Detailed Answer: Hi and welcome back, If the bleeding is slight then there is no need to worry and no urgency also. just get a pregnancy test done if you have had unprotected sex before. if it is negative, you may take tranexamic acid tablets twice daily to stop the bleed for 2-3 days. It is available over the counter in many countries. With light bleeding if it is not a discomfort for you, you may wait till 27th. If however at any point the bleeding increases then see a doctor. Hope this was helpful. I am always here for any further queries. Dr Madhuri
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Madhuri N Bagde

OBGYN

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 1390 Questions

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What Causes Light Bleeding After Periods?

Brief Answer: Detailed answer provided. Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome, I am Dr Madhuri a consultant Ob Gyn and will be answering your query. There are a few possibilities in this kind of bleeding. 1. Cervical erosion: is a condition where there is inflammation of the cervix. So its lining becomes friable and bleeds. 2. cervical or uterine polyp: These are estrogen dependent non cancerous growth of the cervix or the uterine lining and may cause light to heavy bleeding. 3. Ovarian cysts or tumors cause hormonal imbalance and irregular bleed. 4. Ovulation may sometimes be associated with spotting. Other causes are uterine fibroids, contraceptive pills or drugs used for contraception, pelvic infections [ less likely as mostly lead to post coital bleed] and hormonal imbalance. Very rare causes are cancer cervix and uterus. Unlikely at your age. So do not worry. However the first step in every woman with abnormal bleeding, irrespective of the date of the last period is to get a urine pregnancy test done. This is because sometimes implantation bleeding that occurs about the same time as an expected period may mimic a period. If it is negative, check to see if you are using any drugs like birth control pills, intrauterine devices [like mirena or copper T or multiload] for birth control. Most of the time it occurs due to transient hormonal imbalances that are self correcting. So regular exercise and healthy diet may help to correct the problem. If it persists then , the next step is examination by a gynecologist as local causes like polyps, erosions and infections can be detected only by per speculum examination of the cervix and vagina. An ultrasound may be needed to determine the uterine and ovarian causes like fibroids and ovarian cysts. A hormonal test may also be needed and will be advised by your doctor. So as of now, just check with a urine pregnancy test and check your medicines. Follow a healthy diet and exercise daily for 30 minutes. If the problem persists, see a doctor and get evaluated. Do not worry. The causes are very common and treatable. Hope this satisfies your query. Thanks for using HCM. Feel free to ask any more questions that you may have. Dr Madhuri Bagde Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist