How to make spotting stop?

Light bleeding between periods can follow a change in hormonal contraception, missed doses, ovulation or irritation after sex. Infection such as Chlamydia can cause bleeding, particularly with pelvic discomfort or unusual discharge. Polyps, fibroids, cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer are less common but important causes to rule out. Bleeding after menopause, or bleeding with a positive pregnancy test, needs medical review rather than home treatment.

Record when the spotting starts, its colour and amount, sex, contraception doses, pain and discharge. Take contraception exactly as prescribed and do not double doses unless a clinician or the product instructions tell you to. A clinician may offer a pregnancy test, infection testing, cervical assessment or imaging based on your history. Treatment may involve adjusting contraception, treating an infection or removing a polyp. Read more about Bleeding Between Periods and Endometrial Polyps.

Get urgent help for heavy bleeding, faintness, severe or one-sided pelvic pain, shoulder-tip pain, fever or a possible pregnancy. Arrange a prompt appointment if spotting follows sex, continues across cycles, happens after menopause or comes with pain, discharge or bleeding after a missed period. These features need assessment even when the amount is small.

Ask whether your contraception, pregnancy, infection screening or cervical checks could explain the bleeding. Ask which tests are appropriate, whether a partner also needs testing, and what to do if spotting returns after treatment.