Spotting around 15 days after a period

Light mid-cycle bleeding may accompany ovulation or hormonal contraception, but bleeding between periods can also arise from pregnancy-related changes, infection, cervical irritation, a polyp, or a fibroid. Repeated, unexplained, or worsening spotting deserves a medical assessment.

Cycle length varies, so calendar day alone cannot identify the cause. Spotting near ovulation is generally light and brief. Hormonal contraception can alter bleeding patterns, especially after starting, changing, missing, or stopping a method. Chlamydia may present with bleeding between periods or after sex, discharge, or pelvic discomfort, although it can cause no symptoms.

Endometrial polyps and uterine fibroids can present with bleeding between periods. Cervical dysplasia or cervical cancer, and womb cancer, can also present with unusual bleeding, but spotting does not reveal which condition is responsible. An examination and targeted tests distinguish among them.

If pregnancy is possible, take a home pregnancy test at the time recommended in its instructions; testing too early can miss a pregnancy. Arrange a routine appointment if spotting recurs, follows sex, or has no clear explanation. Ask about infection testing if you have a new partner, unprotected sex, discharge, pain, or urinary symptoms.

Track the first day of each period, spotting days, colour, flow, clots, pelvic pain, sex, contraception, and missed medicines. Do not stop hormonal contraception or other prescribed treatment without clinical advice. Bring your cervical screening history if available.

Seek urgent care for heavy bleeding, fainting, marked weakness, severe or one-sided pelvic pain, shoulder-tip pain, or bleeding with a positive pregnancy test. Fever, worsening pelvic pain, or foul-smelling discharge needs prompt assessment for infection. Bleeding after menopause should be assessed promptly rather than tracked as a menstrual cycle change.

Ask whether the pattern fits a cycle or contraception change, whether pregnancy and infection tests are needed, and if the cervix should be examined. For persistent bleeding, ask whether ultrasound or sampling of tissue would help identify a polyp, fibroid, or change in the womb lining.