What should you know about continuous spotting after period?

Spotting can occur as menstrual bleeding tapers, but bleeding that carries on may have a different source. Hormonal contraception, ovulation, cervical irritation, and infections such as Chlamydia are possible explanations. Endometrial polyps or uterine fibroids can affect the womb lining and lead to irregular bleeding. Cervical dysplasia, cervical cancer, and womb cancer can also present with unusual bleeding, although spotting alone cannot tell you which condition is present. Bleeding after sex or after menopause deserves particular attention.

Keep a simple diary of dates, colour, flow, clots, pain, discharge, sex, contraception, and pregnancy possibility. Arrange an appointment if the spotting is new for you, continues, or returns. A clinician may discuss a pregnancy test, infection testing, a pelvic examination, cervical screening, blood tests, or an ultrasound. Bring a list of medicines and contraception, including recent changes.

Use urgent services for heavy bleeding with faintness, severe pelvic pain, fever, or marked weakness. If pregnancy is possible, urgent assessment is needed for bleeding with one-sided pain, shoulder-tip pain, dizziness, or fainting. Contact a clinician promptly for recurrent bleeding after sex or any bleeding after menopause.

What could explain spotting after my period? Which examination or tests do I need? Could my contraception or an infection be contributing, and how should I monitor the bleeding?