Light cramping and spotting: what it may mean

Spotting is a small amount of bleeding outside your expected period. It may occur when hormone levels shift, after starting or changing hormonal contraception, or after sex when the cervix is irritated. An infection such as Chlamydia can also cause bleeding between periods, sometimes with pelvic discomfort or unusual discharge. Polyps, fibroids, cervical cell changes, and less commonly cancers of the cervix or womb can cause abnormal bleeding. A symptom does not identify its cause on its own.

If pregnancy is possible, take a pregnancy test and mention the bleeding and cramps to a clinician. Keep track of when the spotting began, its colour, how long it lasted, and whether pain was on one side or came with dizziness.

Record the bleeding and pain alongside your cycle, contraception, medicines, and any recent sex or procedures. Avoid putting anything into the vagina until bleeding and discomfort have settled if sex seems to trigger it. Arrange a gynaecology or primary-care review if the symptom returns, follows sex, or is accompanied by discharge, fever, pain passing urine, or pelvic pain. Assessment may include a pregnancy test, infection testing, an examination, or imaging.

Read more about [Bleeding Between Periods](/symptoms/bleeding-between-periods/) and possible related conditions such as [Chlamydia](/conditions/chlamydia/) or [Uterine Fibroids](/conditions/uterine-fibroids/).

Seek urgent medical help for severe or worsening pelvic pain, fainting, marked dizziness, shoulder-tip pain, fever with feeling very unwell, or bleeding that rapidly becomes heavy. If you are pregnant or could be pregnant, bleeding with one-sided pain or faintness needs prompt assessment because an ectopic pregnancy can be dangerous.

Ask what causes are most relevant to your age, cycle, contraception, and pregnancy possibility; whether you need infection testing or an examination; and which changes should prompt urgent review. You can also ask when cervical screening is due and whether persistent bleeding needs further assessment.