Causes of Heavy Bleeding Between Periods

Possible causes include irregular ovulation, contraception-related bleeding, fibroids, endometrial polyps, inflammation of the cervix and sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia. Cervical dysplasia, cervical cancer and womb cancer can present with unexpected bleeding, but bleeding alone does not identify which cause is responsible.

Bleeding between expected periods is called intermenstrual bleeding. Heavy flow, clots, repeated episodes or bleeding after sex deserve medical assessment because the pattern differs from a small, isolated spot.

Your age, pregnancy possibility, cycle timing, contraception, medicines and associated symptoms narrow the possibilities. Pelvic pain may point toward a pregnancy complication or pelvic infection; discharge or pain during sex may accompany cervical infection; pressure symptoms can occur with fibroids. None of these features confirms a diagnosis by itself.

Arrange a clinical assessment rather than assuming the bleeding is another period. If pregnancy is possible, take a pregnancy test promptly. Record when bleeding began, whether it follows sex, how often you change protection, the presence of clots, and any pain, discharge, dizziness or medication changes.

Evaluation may include a blood count, pregnancy testing, infection tests, pelvic examination and ultrasound. Depending on your circumstances, the clinician may examine the cervix, check whether cervical screening is due or arrange further assessment of the womb lining. Treatment is directed at the cause and the effect of blood loss, rather than the bleeding pattern alone.

Get urgent help if bleeding is rapidly soaking through menstrual protection, you feel faint, breathless, confused or unusually weak, or you have severe pelvic pain. Heavy bleeding with a positive pregnancy test, a missed period, shoulder-tip pain or collapse needs emergency assessment because internal bleeding is possible.

Bleeding after menopause also needs prompt medical review, even if it stops. If symptoms are stable but the bleeding recurs, book a timely appointment and bring your cycle record and medicine list.

You may ask whether blood loss has caused anaemia, whether pregnancy and infection have been excluded, and whether you need an ultrasound or examination of the cervix. Clarify whether any contraceptive or blood-thinning medicine could be contributing, what can safely control the bleeding and which change should send you to emergency care.