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.

Definition

• 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

• 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.

Amount

• 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

• 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

• Some causes of vaginal spotting are pregnancy, vaginal dryness, hormonal imbalances, use of birth control pills, vaginal injuries and miscarriage.