Light spotting after your period

Brown or light pink discharge can be older blood leaving the uterus after menstruation. Hormonal contraception, changes around ovulation, missed pills, or irritation after sex can also cause spotting. Infection may be more likely when there is unusual discharge, odour, burning, or pelvic pain. Polyps, fibroids, and changes in the cervix or womb lining are additional possibilities. Bleeding between periods is a symptom rather than a diagnosis, so its pattern and accompanying symptoms guide the assessment.

Track the first and last day, colour, amount, relation to sex or contraception, and any cramps or discharge. A pad can make the amount easier to observe. Arrange a routine appointment if spotting lasts, returns across cycles, follows sex, or is new for you. Mention pregnancy possibility, missed contraception, and any recent sexual-health concern when seeking advice.

Seek urgent medical help if bleeding becomes heavy, pain is severe or one-sided, you feel faint or dizzy, or fever and marked illness develop. Bleeding with a missed period or possible pregnancy also needs prompt advice. Recurrent spotting deserves review even when each episode is small.

Could my contraception, ovulation, irritation, or an infection explain the timing? Do I need a pregnancy test, infection tests, or a cervical examination? What pattern should I record before follow-up?