Intermittent bleeding after a period: what to know

Light spotting can occur when hormone levels shift, contraception changes the uterine lining, or the cervix is irritated after sex. Infections such as chlamydia may cause bleeding between periods, particularly with discharge, pelvic pain or pain during sex. Polyps and uterine fibroids can also contribute to irregular bleeding.

Less common but important causes include cervical dysplasia, cervical cancer and womb cancer. Intermittent bleeding does not by itself identify the cause, so the pattern and accompanying symptoms matter.

Record when the bleeding starts, its colour and amount, whether it follows sex, and any pain, discharge or missed period. Consider pregnancy testing when pregnancy is possible. Arrange a clinician appointment if the bleeding repeats, starts after a long gap, or is unexplained.

Assessment may include questions about cycles and medicines, a pregnancy test, examination, infection testing or cervical screening. Further tests depend on age, symptoms and findings.

Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, severe pelvic pain, faintness, weakness, fever or bleeding during a possible pregnancy. Prompt assessment is also needed for bleeding after menopause, bleeding after sex that keeps returning, or symptoms such as persistent discharge or unexplained weight loss.

Ask what could explain the timing, whether you need pregnancy or infection testing, whether your cervical screening is up to date, and which examination or scan would clarify the cause.