Vaginal candidiasis, commonly known as a yeast infection, is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida species, most frequently Candida albicans. This fungus is naturally present in the vaginal microbiome, but when the environment’s balance is disrupted, it can multiply rapidly and cause symptoms. While not the most common symptom, light bleeding or spotting can sometimes occur alongside a yeast infection. This minor bleeding is typically related to the inflammation and irritation the fungal overgrowth causes within the delicate tissues of the vulva and vagina.
Common Symptoms of Vaginal Candidiasis
The most recognizable sign of a yeast infection is intense itching, or pruritus, affecting both the vagina and the surrounding vulvar area. This irritation is often accompanied by a distinct, thick vaginal discharge. The discharge is frequently described as white, dense, and having a cottage cheese-like consistency, although it can also be thin and watery.
Many people also experience a burning sensation, especially during urination or sexual intercourse. The infection causes the genital area to become visibly red and swollen (erythema and edema). Severe inflammation can also lead to small cracks or fissures in the skin around the vulva.
How Yeast Infections Cause Spotting or Light Bleeding
A yeast infection can directly lead to light bleeding or spotting due to the severe inflammatory response it triggers. The fungal overgrowth prompts the immune system to react, causing the vaginal and vulvar tissues to become irritated, red, and swollen. This inflammation weakens the integrity of the delicate mucosal lining.
The irritated tissue becomes fragile and highly prone to micro-tears and excoriations. Even slight friction can cause the compromised skin barrier to break, resulting in light blood spotting. This mechanical irritation can occur during vigorous scratching to relieve the intense itching, or during sexual intercourse or tampon insertion. The bleeding is almost always minimal, often appearing as just a spot of blood on underwear or toilet paper.
The vaginal walls are rich in tiny blood vessels, and the inflammation makes the capillaries close to the surface more susceptible to rupture. Spotting is a complication of the tissue damage caused by the infection, rather than a direct result of the fungus itself.
Other Causes of Vaginal Bleeding to Consider
While light spotting can be linked to a yeast infection, vaginal bleeding outside of the menstrual period is a symptom shared by many other conditions. It is important to consider these alternative causes, especially if the bleeding is heavy or prolonged. One common alternative is bacterial vaginosis (BV), which is caused by an imbalance in the normal vaginal bacteria and can sometimes cause light bleeding.
Certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are also known to cause inflammation of the cervix or vagina, leading to bleeding. For example, infections like Chlamydia and Gonorrhea can cause cervicitis, which results in the cervical tissue becoming friable and bleeding easily upon contact. Hormonal fluctuations are another frequent cause of spotting, often related to the use of birth control pills or changes in the menstrual cycle.
Trauma to the genital area, such as rough intercourse or the presence of a foreign body like a retained tampon, can also cause bleeding. Heavy or persistent bleeding, particularly if accompanied by fever or severe pelvic pain, may signal serious underlying issues such as polyps, fibroids, or other gynecological conditions that require immediate medical evaluation. Bleeding that continues even after a yeast infection has been treated also suggests the presence of a different problem.
Seeking Diagnosis and Treatment
Since many conditions can cause both vaginal symptoms and bleeding, self-diagnosis is not recommended, particularly when blood is present. A healthcare professional can perform a clinical diagnosis, which often involves a pelvic examination and a vaginal swab test. This specimen is examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of Candida and rule out other infections like bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis.
A doctor’s visit is necessary if this is a person’s first yeast infection, if symptoms are severe, or if the infection is recurrent. Treatment for candidiasis typically involves antifungal medications, available as over-the-counter creams, ointments, or suppositories. Prescription options include single-dose oral antifungal tablets, such as fluconazole, or longer courses of topical or oral treatment for more complicated cases. If the bleeding is heavy or does not resolve with treatment, a medical consultation is necessary to investigate other possible causes.