Light red spotting after your period

Blood near the end of a period can look pink or light red as the flow becomes lighter. Spotting after the expected end may also follow hormonal contraception, a change in routine, or ovulation. Irritation, Chlamydia, cervical dysplasia, and cervical polyps are other possibilities. Endometrial polyps or uterine fibroids can cause bleeding between periods, while womb cancer can present with unusual bleeding. These conditions differ in urgency and treatment; the pattern alone cannot distinguish them.

Write down the first and last day of your period, the day spotting starts, how much appears, and any cramps, pelvic pain, discharge, or bleeding after sex. Consider whether contraception, emergency contraception, or a missed period could be relevant. Book an appointment if spotting recurs, continues beyond the expected end of bleeding, occurs after menopause, or is a new change for you. A clinician may offer a pregnancy test, pelvic examination, infection testing, cervical screening review, or imaging based on your history.

Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, severe or one-sided pelvic pain, faintness, fever, or weakness. Get prompt assessment if you could be pregnant and have bleeding with pain or dizziness. Urgency is guided by the amount of bleeding and associated symptoms, not by the colour alone.

Does this timing fit the end of my period or intermenstrual bleeding? Could contraception or infection be involved? Do I need a pregnancy test, examination, or ultrasound? Which changes should lead me to urgent care?