A vaginal yeast infection (candidiasis) occurs due to an overgrowth of the fungus Candida, most commonly Candida albicans. This fungus naturally lives in the body, but when its environment is disrupted, it can multiply and cause an infection. While bleeding is not a standard symptom, a yeast infection can lead to light vaginal spotting or bleeding.
How Yeast Infections Cause Bleeding
The presence of Candida albicans triggers a localized immune response, resulting in inflammation of the vaginal and vulvar tissues (vaginitis). This inflammation causes the delicate lining of the vagina to become red, swollen, and significantly more fragile. The compromised tissue is highly susceptible to injury.
The intense itching and irritation often lead to scratching, which can create small lesions or micro-tears. Activities causing friction, such as wiping or sexual intercourse, can easily damage the inflamed tissue. This physical damage to small blood vessels causes the resulting light bleeding or spotting. This blood is usually light pink or brown and is often noticed only after wiping or during sexual activity.
Other Common Causes of Vaginal Spotting
Vaginal spotting outside of a normal menstrual cycle is common to a wide range of conditions, requiring consideration of other potential causes. Hormonal fluctuations are a frequent source of unscheduled bleeding, particularly when starting, stopping, or changing hormonal birth control. This is often called breakthrough bleeding and is caused by changes in the stability of the uterine lining due to fluctuating levels of estrogen and progesterone.
Spotting can also signal early pregnancy, such as implantation bleeding when a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall. Non-infectious growths within the uterus, like benign fibroids or polyps, can also cause spotting or heavier bleeding between periods. These growths disrupt the normal structure and function of the uterine lining.
Other reproductive tract infections can cause bleeding and may be confused with a yeast infection. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia or gonorrhea cause vaginal inflammation and spotting. Unlike the irritation-based spotting from candidiasis, bleeding from these conditions may be accompanied by a strong fishy odor or an unusual yellow-green discharge.
When to Seek Professional Medical Care
While light spotting can be a side effect of a yeast infection, any unusual bleeding should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out more serious issues. Seek medical care if the bleeding is heavy, similar to a regular period, or continues for more than a couple of days. Bleeding that occurs after menopause also warrants prompt medical attention.
Other signs requiring an immediate doctor’s visit include severe lower abdominal or pelvic pain, which can signal a complicated infection. A fever or chills accompanying the bleeding could indicate a systemic infection or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. If symptoms do not improve after using over-the-counter antifungal treatment, a medical consultation is necessary to confirm the correct diagnosis.