What should you know about ovarian cancer and bleeding between periods?

Bleeding between periods means bleeding outside your expected menstrual flow. Hormonal changes, contraception, infections, cervical conditions, womb conditions, and pregnancy-related problems can all cause it. Ovarian cancer can present with changes in bleeding, but bleeding alone cannot identify ovarian cancer, and it is not the only condition to consider. A clinician will ask about timing, amount, pregnancy possibility, medicines, sexual health, and other symptoms.

Record when the bleeding occurs, how long it lasts, and whether it follows sex or a missed period. Arrange a medical appointment if the pattern is new, repeated, or unexplained. Assessment may include a pregnancy test, examination, infection testing, blood tests, or imaging depending on your history. Do not wait for the bleeding to become severe before seeking an explanation.

Seek urgent care for heavy bleeding, severe or worsening pelvic pain, fainting, marked weakness, fever, or bleeding during pregnancy. Prompt review is also needed after menopause, after sex when bleeding is recurrent, or when bleeding occurs with persistent bloating, early fullness, unexplained weight change, or a change in bowel or bladder habits. These symptoms do not prove cancer, but they should be assessed.

Ask what causes are most relevant to your age and history, whether you need pregnancy or infection testing, and whether an examination or scan is appropriate. Mention family cancer history, contraception, recent procedures, and all bleeding patterns.