What Does Spotting Look Like?
Vaginal spotting can occur anytime during your reproductive and postreproductive years. It can be the sign of a medical problem, but in some cases the cause may be benign or unknown.
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Definition
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Vaginal spotting is a light amount of bleeding that occurs for various reasons in a woman's cycle. This spotting is sometimes referred to as "old blood" or "in-between bleeding."
Color and Consistency
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Vaginal spotting is normally pink, red or brown in color. The consistency can be sticky or pasty (usually the case when mixed with vaginal discharge) or watery like blood.
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Amount
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Blood in the form of spotting can be as light as a pin prick or heavy enough to wear panty liners. Bleeding any heavier than this is considered irregular bleeding.
Time Frame
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Spotting lasts anywhere from a day to a few days. In some cases, spotting may last longer than this or become a regular occurrence.
Causes
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Some causes of vaginal spotting are pregnancy, vaginal dryness, hormonal imbalances, use of birth control pills, vaginal injuries and miscarriage.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Fotolia.com, courtesy of Yvonne Bogdanski
