Discover the most important differences between spotting and menstrual period

It is common to confuse the spotting and the menstrual period because both involve bleeding spots that come out of our vagina but they have their small or big differences!

Differences between spotting and menstrual period

Given the misinformation that we have about our body, it is common to confuse spotting and the menstrual period. Both involve spots of bleeding that come out of our vagina but they have their small or big differences. They can even cause confusion during pregnancy. That is, while the first tends to be small spots of bleeding, the second is the result of 28 days of preparation for a pregnancy. However, how can they be distinguished from one another?

Characteristics of the menstrual period

In the case of menstruation, menstrual bleeding appears regularly and, as a general rule, with predictable patterns. It is true, the length of time and the amount of flow varies between menstruating bodies; however each menstrual period begins with a slight spotting that increases over a day or two. The staining becomes more prominent and the color becomes more intense reddish (looking like the color of cherries). After some days, it ends, again,with small spots. This cycle lasts for about five to seven days, but never (or very rarely) a full month.

In addition, the menstrual period is usually accompanied by other specific characteristics or symptoms. For example: hormonal changes that can cause tenderness in the breasts, headaches; cramps or inflammation in the pelvic area; changes in appetite and sleep cycle; and even an intense surge of creativity and sensitivity.

Characteristics of spotting

Sometimes when our body releases spots of blood that could be mistaken for menstrual bleeding. Spotting or bleeding spots differ from the menstrual period by being timeless and irregular. That is, there are times when a body can release small spots of blood during a day, stop bleeding and then bleed again throughout the month. As a general rule, spotting usually occurs throughout ovulation and the spots are usually dark red (almost brown). However, these bleeding spots can be related to physical or physiological affections, such as abdominal pain, a fibroid cervix, prolapse or a weakened pelvic floor, physical injuries (caused by genital or vaginal wounds), abortion or some infection of the sexual transmission (STI).
Be careful, spotting can also appear at the beginning of the treatment of a hormonal contraceptive.
At Sensual Intim we have a specialized team dedicated to help women and menstrual bodies that go through menstrual problems. Meet our new Menstrual Health Kit.

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When to go to the gynecologist or the sexual health specialist …

The right time to go to the gynecologist or the sexual health specialist is when spotting is occurring more than irregularly, that is when some of the following situations occur:

• When the bloodstains are intense, they have lasted several days and are accompanied by both a sensation of pain and a strange stench
• You have just suffered from abuse, sexual harassment, or rape
• Is associated with an internal or genital injury
• You could be or are pregnant
• You are in menopause

Author: María José Castañeda

Translator: Thaïs Pascual