15 Reasons why you may be spotting before your period

7. Sexually transmitted infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like yeast infections, chlamydia, or gonorrhea, can cause spotting between periods or after sex. You may also experience other symptoms like a burning sensation when you pass urine, a white, yellow, or green discharge from your vagina, itching in the vaginal area, and pain in your lower pelvis. Most STIs can be treated with medication if they are caught early.

8. Pelvic inflammatory disease

When bacteria from a vaginal infection spread upwards and affect your uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries, you may experience abnormal bleeding and spotting. This is a symptom of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). You may also have a fever, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, and pain while passing urine or having sex. If a PID is not treated by antibiotics, the bacteria may spread to your blood and this can be life-threatening.

9. Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are soft tissue growths in the uterus. They can affect fertility, making it harder for you to get pregnant or take a pregnancy to term. As a result, you may experience heavy or more extended periods, pelvic and lower back pain, and frequent spotting. Most fibroids are benign and may shrink on their own, while others need medication or surgery.