What should you know about persistent bleeding between periods?

Bleeding between periods includes spotting or bleeding at a time you would not expect menstrual flow. It can occur after sex, around a change in contraception, or without an obvious trigger. Hormonal shifts, missed contraception, polyps, fibroids, cervical dysplasia, and sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia are possible explanations. A cervical cancer page explains one serious condition that can present with unusual vaginal bleeding; this symptom alone does not establish that diagnosis.

The pattern gives a clinician useful information: note when the bleeding began, how often it occurs, whether it follows intercourse, and whether you have pelvic pain, unusual discharge, fever, or a chance of pregnancy. Assessment may include a pregnancy test, examination of the vagina and cervix, infection testing, and imaging or sampling when indicated.

Arrange an appointment with a GP, gynaecologist, or sexual-health clinician if the bleeding persists or keeps returning. Bring a record of bleeding days, medicines, contraception, recent procedures, and associated symptoms. Do not douche or place products in the vagina before an examination. If pregnancy is possible, mention it promptly, particularly if pain accompanies the bleeding.

Treatment depends on the cause. A clinician may treat an infection, adjust contraception, or investigate a polyp, fibroid, or cervical change. The relevant pages on Endometrial Polyps and Uterine Fibroids describe conditions that can contribute to abnormal bleeding.

Seek urgent medical help for heavy bleeding, faintness, severe or worsening pelvic pain, shoulder-tip pain, fever, or bleeding during a possible pregnancy. These features can signal a problem that needs prompt examination. If bleeding occurs after menopause, or follows sex repeatedly, arrange medical review even when the amount is small.

Ask: What causes fit my bleeding pattern? Do I need pregnancy or infection testing? Should my cervix be examined? Would an ultrasound or womb lining sample help? Which changes should make me seek urgent care? If a serious cervical or womb condition is suspected, ask what each test is intended to clarify.