Light pink spotting 3 days before your period

Pink discharge usually contains a small amount of blood mixed with vaginal fluid. It may appear as the uterine lining begins to change before menstruation, or after a change in contraception. Irritation of the cervix, an infection such as Chlamydia, cervical dysplasia, polyps, fibroids, and other causes can also lead to bleeding between periods. A spotting episode does not identify its cause by itself, and it does not mean that a serious condition is present.

Notice whether the colour becomes red or brown, how long it lasts, whether it follows sex, and whether you have pelvic pain, unusual discharge, fever, or a delayed period. These details help a clinician decide whether an examination, pregnancy test, infection testing, or other evaluation is appropriate.

Record the date, amount, colour, and any symptoms. Use a liner if helpful and avoid putting anything into the vagina if it causes irritation. If pregnancy is possible, take a pregnancy test when appropriate and mention the result to a clinician. Arrange a routine appointment if the spotting returns, occurs after sex, continues beyond your expected period, or is different from your usual cycle. A clinician may discuss Bleeding Between Periods and examine the cervix.

Seek urgent medical help for heavy bleeding, severe or one-sided pelvic pain, fainting, marked dizziness, shoulder pain, fever, or a positive pregnancy test with pain or bleeding. Seek prompt assessment for bleeding after menopause, bleeding that keeps recurring, or bleeding with foul-smelling discharge. Cervical cancer and Womb Cancer can cause abnormal bleeding, but spotting alone cannot diagnose either condition.

Could this pattern be related to my cycle or contraception? Do I need a pregnancy test, cervical examination, or infection testing? What changes in amount, pain, or timing should make me contact the clinic sooner?