What should you know about mild bleeding between periods?

Spotting can occur when hormone levels shift, contraception changes, or the cervix is irritated. [Chlamydia](/conditions/chlamydia/) may present with bleeding between periods, sometimes alongside discharge, pelvic pain, or urinary discomfort. [Endometrial Polyps](/conditions/endometrial-polyps/) and [Uterine Fibroids](/conditions/uterine-fibroids/) can also present with abnormal bleeding. Cervical changes, including [Cervical Dysplasia](/conditions/cervical-dysplasia/), and womb or cervical cancer are less common explanations but need consideration when bleeding is persistent, new, or associated with other warning signs.

Record the dates, amount, colour, cycle timing, contraception, pain, discharge, and pregnancy possibility. Book a clinician review for recurring, unexplained, or postmenopausal bleeding, or if you are overdue for screening. Assessment may include a pregnancy test, examination, infection testing, blood tests, or imaging. Treatment depends on the cause; specialist procedures are considered only when findings support them.

Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, faintness, severe pain, fever, or possible pregnancy with pain or bleeding. Contact a clinician promptly for bleeding after menopause, bleeding after sex that keeps returning, or a new pattern that does not settle.

Could pregnancy, contraception, infection, or a womb or cervical change explain this? Which tests are suitable? When should I return if the bleeding continues or changes?