Bleeding a week before period is due

[danielles92]

Hi everyone:)

So for the past 3 months I have had a day of bleeding a week before my period is due. My period is then normal. (So i had light bleeding for one day on the 16th, as if my period had started, but didn't bleed again until today which is when my period was due).

I have an IUD which I know can cause spotting but usually only in the first 6 months and I've had mine for 3 years with no issues (except worsened cramps and heavier bleeding which I tolerate as I don't want to use hormonal contraception).

What could this be and do I need to see GP or is it normal? I last had a smear around 18 months ago which was fine, and around 6 months ago I was looked at for pelvic inflammatory disease (my doc just wanted to check before she prescribed me stronger painkillers for cramps) and that was also fine.

Oh and I'm 26 so it's not because I'm premenopausal.

Thanks for reading! X

I had this when my IUD was at the end of its life (not your case as it's only been three years). When it was finally diagnosed, they said that it was caused by over-growth of natural bacteria. But I had the problem for years, and it got worse and worse. I had swabs a few times but they did not detect it. Eventually I got the IUD removed and they took it away for testing and then they found the bacteria. A short course of antibiotics completely fixed it! I was so pleased - I'd been worrying about cancer and all sorts, and it had ruined my sex life.