Causes of blood spotting between periods

Hormone shifts around ovulation can produce brief, light spotting. Breakthrough bleeding can follow a new contraceptive method, missed hormonal tablets, or irregular use. If pregnancy is possible, bleeding may be pregnancy-related and should be interpreted alongside the test result, pain, and stage of pregnancy.

Chlamydia and other cervical infections may present with spotting, discharge, pelvic pain, or bleeding after sex, though symptoms can be absent. Endometrial polyps and uterine fibroids can present with irregular or heavier bleeding. Cervical dysplasia, cervical cancer, and womb cancer may present with unexpected bleeding; the symptom alone does not indicate which cause is present.

Track the bleeding against your cycle and record flow, colour, clots, pain, discharge, fever, and whether it follows sex. Check your contraception schedule and take a pregnancy test if relevant. A clear record helps distinguish a single cycle variation from a continuing pattern.

Arrange an appointment when spotting repeats, persists, appears after sex, or occurs after menopause. The clinician may review medicines and screening history, examine the cervix, test for pregnancy or infection, check blood counts, or arrange ultrasound. Tests are selected from your symptoms rather than every person needing the same work-up.

Get urgent medical help for bleeding that rapidly soaks pads, severe pelvic or abdominal pain, fainting, pronounced dizziness, weakness, or collapse. With a possible pregnancy, one-sided pain or shoulder-tip pain alongside bleeding needs immediate assessment.

Seek prompt care for fever, worsening pelvic tenderness, or foul-smelling discharge. Bleeding after menopause needs clinical assessment even when it is a small amount and stops by itself.

Ask which causes fit your particular pattern, whether you need pregnancy or infection testing, and whether an examination or scan would change management. Bring the names of medicines and contraception and the dates of recent cervical screening.