Light red spotting between periods

Spotting can occur around ovulation or after a change in hormonal contraception. Irritation, Chlamydia, or other cervical inflammation may cause light bleeding. Cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer can present with bleeding between periods, while endometrial polyps, fibroids, and womb cancer can also cause unusual uterine bleeding. A symptom does not identify one condition; clinicians use your age, pregnancy possibility, cycle pattern, medications, examination findings, and screening history to narrow the cause.

Keep a simple record of dates, colour, amount, cramps, pelvic pain, discharge, and any bleeding after sex. Check whether a new contraceptive, missed dose, emergency contraception, or pregnancy possibility coincided with the change. Arrange a clinician visit when spotting is new, recurrent, or unexplained. Depending on your situation, evaluation may include pregnancy testing, a pelvic examination, infection tests, cervical screening review, or an ultrasound. Bring a list of medicines and contraception to the appointment.

Get urgent care for heavy bleeding, severe pelvic pain, fainting, severe dizziness, fever, or sudden weakness. If pregnancy is possible, bleeding with one-sided pain or feeling faint needs prompt emergency assessment. A small amount of blood is not itself a measure of urgency; associated symptoms and change over time are more useful.

Could my contraception or cycle timing explain this? Should I have infection testing or a pregnancy test? Is cervical screening due? Would an examination or ultrasound help identify the source?