Bleeding that continues after your period

Bleeding after the expected end of a period may be spotting, a longer menstrual bleed or bleeding between periods. The pattern can be linked to hormonal contraception, missed contraception, ovulation changes, pregnancy, fibroids, endometrial polyps or infection such as chlamydia. Cervical dysplasia and cancers of the cervix or womb are less common possibilities, especially when bleeding is new, recurrent or occurs after sex or menopause.

A clinician may ask about cycle timing, pregnancy possibility, medicines, contraception, pain, discharge and bleeding after sex. Assessment can include a pregnancy test, pelvic examination, infection testing, blood tests or imaging. Record when bleeding starts, how it changes, and any clots, pain or dizziness.

Arrange a routine appointment if bleeding persists, returns, follows sex, or is different from your usual pattern. Use pads if you need to track flow, and note any medicines or contraceptive changes. Do not stop prescribed hormones without advice. If an infection is possible, avoid sex until assessed and use protection; partners may also need testing or treatment.

Treatment depends on the cause. It may involve changing contraception, treating infection, managing fibroids or polyps, or investigating the cervix or womb. A radical hysterectomy is a specialist operation for selected cancers, not a general treatment for unexplained bleeding.

Seek emergency help for heavy bleeding with faintness, severe weakness, shortness of breath, chest pain, severe pelvic pain, or possible pregnancy with pain or bleeding. Seek urgent clinical advice for fever, worsening pain, foul-smelling discharge, or bleeding after menopause. These warning signs need assessment regardless of how often the symptom occurs.

Ask what pattern your bleeding suggests, whether pregnancy or infection testing is needed, whether your cervix or womb needs examination, which scan or procedure is appropriate, and what amount or symptom should prompt urgent help.