Difference between Implantation Bleeding and Periods

The human body is a complex system. It becomes more complex in the case of females.

Women have severe complexities in several medical procedures. Therefore, it is important to know the symptoms, side effects, and cure of such things. Menstrual flow is one such thing that can give rise to various complexities in the body. PCOS, PCOD, and several other disorders are associated with menstrual flow. Irregular flows are also the reason for some disorders. Now, we are often confused between periods and implantation bleeding. All of us might think they mean the same. But it is not so. The symptoms or cures might be the same, but they are varied. There are several differences between them. But before moving on to the contrasting points, it is necessary to know the meaning of such terms. So, let's begin.

Implantation Bleeding

Implantation bleeding is defined as a small amount of bleeding that happens in a woman's body after conception. Implantation bleeding can happen after 10-14 days of conception. Well, this is quite normal, according to the doctors. Now, why does implantation bleeding happens? Well, when the embryos attach to one another, it leads to a small amount of bleeding. This can happen around period dates. A woman having implantation bleeding can mistake it for periods, and in this process, she might not realize that she is pregnant. Implantation bleeding can happen after conception and can mean that one is pregnant. An important thing to note here is that implantation bleeding does not have any side-effect on the baby. The symptoms of implantation bleeding might include headaches, mild cramps, swollen breasts, nausea, change in body temperature, etc. It is essential to note that implantation bleeding does not need any treatment if there is less bleeding. However, if there is a heavy menstrual flow, it can be a problem. It is advised to consult a doctor in this case.

Periods

Periods are defined as the menstrual flow that happens once a month for 3-4 days. The duration of periods can range from 21 days to 40 days. In medical terms, a period is a release of blood from a female's uterus through the vagina. Periods mark the end of puberty. A woman on periods can exhibit symptoms like irritability, mood swings, cramps, headaches, bloating, feeling emotional, etc. Some women exhibit such symptoms, while some do not exhibit any symptoms at all. In periods, the female's body dismisses the monthly buildup of the lining of the uterus. Now, here arises a question, i.e., can periods skip a month or so? Well, yes. Periods can be skipped. It just happens because of the body's reaction to the changes, stress, etc. For example, changes can happen in the body due to exercising or eating. Periods begin at the age of 12 and can last till the age of 40 or 50. The primary stage or the first period is called as menarche, while the latter is called menopause. Now, what is the difference between implantation bleeding and periods? Let us look at some contrasting points regarding them.

So, these are some of the contrasting points between implantation bleeding and periods. The symptoms of both are quite the same, but they are relatively different. For instance, there is no treatment for implantation bleeding as well as periods because they are quite normal. Every woman experiences both periods and implantation bleeding. Now, let us look at their symptoms.

Symptoms of Implantation Bleeding

1. Cramps: Pregnancy causes a lot of shifts in hormones. These hormonal changes can lead to cramping. Abdominal tenderness, backaches, etc., are the part of mild cramps that a woman experiences.
2. Discharge: In implantation bleeding, the cervical mucus changes over time. The mucus becomes thicker and white in color. Cervical mucus is affected by stress, pregnancy, sexual intercourse, etc.
3. Bloating: Increasing progesterone in the body leads to a slow digestive system. One can feel bloated in such situations.
4. Nausea: The other name for nausea is 'morning sickness' that can happen at the time of implantation bleeding. This happens because of the increased level of progesterone. It slows one's digestion which can lead to a nauseous state.
5. Headaches: The increasing levels of progesterone can give rise to headaches. Well, it is essential to note that headaches are considered good in implantation bleeding.

Symptoms of Periods

1. Breakout: Periods lead to an increase in acne in some women. They occur on the chin and jawline. Acne is a result of increased sebum in the body.
2. Fatigue: As the period approaches, the body experiences fatigue. Changes in mood can also make one tired. In periods, females are not able to sleep at night, which leads to daytime fatigue.
3. Mood Swings: Emotional swings are often seen in females during periods. Depression, anxiety, etc., are a part of it.
4. Lower Back Pain: In periods, muscle contractions happen in the body, which leads to lower back pain. Some females can also experience nagging or discomfort in other parts of the body.

So, these are some of the symptoms of implantation bleeding and periods. Both implantation bleeding and periods happen at certain stages in a woman's body. However, they are quite normal and do not require any treatment or medication. Thus, both implantation bleeding and periods happen for several reasons in the body.