Endometriosis and spotting after a period

Brown or light pink discharge after menstrual flow may be older blood leaving the vagina. Spotting can also relate to hormonal contraception, ovulation, infection, cervical irritation, polyps, fibroids, or pregnancy-related changes. Endometriosis may be associated with abnormal bleeding, but spotting alone cannot identify it. Painful periods, pelvic pain, pain during sex, bowel symptoms, or difficulty conceiving give a clinician more useful context. [Endometriosis](/conditions/endometriosis/) is diagnosed through a full history and assessment.

Write down when spotting starts after the period, its colour and amount, how long it lasts, and any pain, discharge, fever, or contraceptive changes. Arrange a medical appointment if it repeats, lasts beyond your usual pattern, follows sex, or is accompanied by pelvic pain. Depending on your situation, a clinician may consider pregnancy testing, infection testing, examination, or imaging. You can also read about [Painful Periods](/symptoms/painful-periods/).

Get urgent help for heavy bleeding with dizziness or weakness, severe abdominal or pelvic pain, fainting, fever, or possible pregnancy with bleeding. Seek prompt review for bleeding after sex, foul-smelling discharge, or a pattern that continues to change.

Could this be leftover menstrual blood or another cause? Should I have a pregnancy or infection test? Could my contraception be contributing? What symptoms would make suspected endometriosis more likely to investigate?