Menstrual spotting after a period: what to know

Light brown or pink spotting just after a period may be older blood leaving the womb. Hormonal contraception, missed doses, changes around ovulation, or irritation after sex can also cause bleeding between periods. An infection such as chlamydia may cause bleeding after sex or unusual discharge.

Other causes include cervical dysplasia, cervical cancer, womb polyps, fibroids, or changes in the womb lining. A symptom does not identify a condition by itself: cervical cancer can present with bleeding after sex or between periods, but many episodes have less serious explanations. A clinician considers age, pregnancy possibility, contraception, cycle pattern, examination findings, and screening history.

Track when the spotting starts and stops, its colour and amount, whether it follows sex, and any pain, discharge, fever, urinary symptoms, or missed contraception. Take a pregnancy test if pregnancy is possible. Arrange a routine appointment if the pattern repeats, lasts beyond the end of your period, occurs after sex, or is different from your usual cycle.

A clinician may check the cervix and vagina, test for infection, discuss contraception, and arrange further tests such as an ultrasound or womb-lining assessment. Do not stop prescribed contraception or treatment without advice.

Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, faintness, severe or one-sided pelvic pain, fever, repeated vomiting, or a positive pregnancy test with pain or bleeding. Prompt assessment is also needed for bleeding after menopause, even if it is only spotting.

Does this timing fit the end of my period or could contraception, infection, or another cause be involved? Do I need a pregnancy or infection test? Is my cervical screening up to date? Which changes should prompt urgent care?