Heavy spotting after your period

Bleeding that continues after menstrual flow has ended is bleeding between periods. Hormone changes, contraception, irritation of the cervix, or an infection such as Chlamydia can contribute. Growths such as Endometrial Polyps or Uterine Fibroids may also cause irregular bleeding. A pattern that returns, follows sex, or occurs after a long gap without periods deserves a clinical review; bleeding alone cannot identify its cause.

A clinician may ask about your cycle, contraception, pregnancy possibility, medicines, pain, discharge, and bleeding after sex. Depending on your answers, assessment may include a pregnancy test, examination, infection testing, blood tests, or imaging.

Record when the spotting starts, how long it lasts, whether it is light or needs a pad, and whether clots, pain, dizziness, fever, or discharge occur. Note any missed contraception, recent change in hormonal treatment, or sexual contact that could relate to infection. Arrange a routine appointment if this is a new pattern or keeps returning. Do not use leftover antibiotics or change prescribed contraception without advice.

If you are pregnant or could be pregnant, mention that when arranging care. Bring a list of medicines and the date your last normal period began.

Seek urgent medical help if bleeding is heavy and ongoing, or if you feel faint, weak, short of breath, or develop severe or one-sided pelvic pain. Fever with pelvic pain or foul-smelling discharge also needs prompt assessment. If pregnancy is possible, bleeding with pain, faintness, or shoulder-tip pain should be treated as urgent.

Could my contraception, an infection, a polyp, or a fibroid explain this pattern? Do I need a pregnancy test, examination, infection testing, blood tests, or an ultrasound? What changes should make me seek urgent help?