Light brown spotting between periods: what to know

Blood can look brown when it leaves the uterus slowly. Spotting may appear around ovulation, after a change in hormonal contraception, or when cycles are irregular. Irritation of the vagina or cervix can contribute, as can dryness or recent intercourse.

Other possibilities include Chlamydia, cervical dysplasia, polyps, fibroids, or changes in the womb lining. The symptom alone cannot tell you which explanation applies. Bleeding between periods is a symptom to assess, not a diagnosis, and many causes are treatable once identified.

Keep a simple record of the first day of your last period, when spotting appears, its colour and amount, sexual activity, contraception changes, and associated pain or discharge. Take a pregnancy test if pregnancy is possible, even when the bleeding is light.

Book a primary-care, sexual-health, or gynaecology visit if spotting repeats, follows sex, lasts beyond a short episode, or is accompanied by pelvic pain, unusual discharge, itching, or odour. Bring your medicines and contraception details.

Get urgent medical help for heavy bleeding, severe pain, fainting, significant dizziness, fever, or a positive pregnancy test with pain or bleeding. Seek prompt review for bleeding after menopause or a noticeable change from your usual cycle.

Could my contraception or cycle stage explain this? Should I have pregnancy or infection testing? Do I need a pelvic examination or cervical screening, and what changes should I report?