Medicine for spotting between periods

Spotting is light bleeding outside an expected period. It may relate to contraception, ovulation, pregnancy, infection, or changes in the cervix or womb lining. Conditions that can present with bleeding between periods include cervical dysplasia, chlamydia, endometrial polyps, uterine fibroids, cervical cancer, and womb cancer; the symptom alone does not identify which cause is present.

A clinician may ask about cycle timing, pregnancy possibility, pain, discharge, sexual health, and medicines. Examination and tests can guide treatment. Depending on the finding, care may involve treating an infection, changing contraception, observing a benign growth, or arranging specialist treatment.

Record when spotting occurs, how long it lasts, its colour, and whether it follows sex or comes with pain or discharge. Take a pregnancy test when pregnancy is possible and arrange a review if bleeding recurs, persists, or is new for you. Avoid self-treating with leftover medicine.

Use pads if you need to monitor the amount. Bring a list of medicines and contraception to the appointment, and mention bleeding after sex because it changes the assessment.

Seek urgent care for heavy bleeding, faintness, severe or one-sided pelvic pain, shoulder-tip pain, or bleeding during a possible pregnancy. Prompt assessment is also needed with fever, offensive discharge, or feeling very unwell, because infection or pregnancy-related complications may require treatment.

Ask which causes are being considered, which tests are recommended, when results will be available, and what treatment fits the finding. Ask when to return if spotting continues and which symptoms should trigger urgent help.