Heavy bleeding between periods

Hormonal changes, contraception, cervical inflammation, and infections such as Chlamydia can cause bleeding between periods. Endometrial polyps and uterine fibroids may present with irregular or heavy bleeding. Cervical dysplasia, cervical cancer, or womb cancer can also present with bleeding outside the expected cycle, although bleeding alone cannot identify the cause. The pattern, age, pregnancy possibility, and examination findings guide the next steps.

Use a pad while the flow is heavy and record dates, amount, clots, pain, discharge, sex, contraception, and medicines. Arrange a prompt appointment, especially if this is the first episode or it returns. A clinician may offer pregnancy and infection tests, examine the vagina and cervix, and decide whether blood tests or imaging are needed. Treatment is based on the identified cause; a radical hysterectomy is a specialised operation used only in selected gynaecological cancers.

Seek urgent care if bleeding is rapidly soaking protection, you feel faint or very weak, have severe abdominal or pelvic pain, fever, or a positive pregnancy test. Do not wait for a routine appointment if the bleeding continues heavily or you become breathless or confused.

Ask what may be causing the timing of the bleeding, whether your cervix needs testing, and what follow-up is needed if initial results are reassuring. Share the date of your last normal period and any changes in contraception or sexual health.