What should you know about prolonged bleeding between periods?

Bleeding outside your expected menstrual days may be light spotting, a flow like a period, or bleeding after sex. Hormonal contraception, changes around puberty or perimenopause, pregnancy-related problems, and infections can contribute. Growths such as uterine fibroids or endometrial polyps may also cause irregular bleeding. Cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer can present with bleeding between periods, while womb cancer is another less common cause. The symptom itself does not establish any diagnosis.

A clinician may ask about your cycle pattern, medicines, contraception, pregnancy possibility, pain, discharge, and bleeding after sex. Assessment can include a pregnancy test, examination, infection testing, blood tests, or imaging depending on your history.

Arrange an appointment with a gynaecologist or primary-care clinician, especially if the bleeding keeps returning or lasts longer than expected. Note when it starts and stops, how heavy it is, whether clots occur, and any pain, fever, unusual discharge, dizziness, or bleeding after sex. Bring a list of medicines and contraception. Avoid vaginal products or sex if they worsen bleeding, and do not stop prescribed contraception without advice. You can read more about Bleeding Between Periods, Uterine Fibroids, or Endometrial Polyps while arranging care.

Seek urgent medical help if bleeding is heavy or rapidly increasing, you feel faint or weak, have severe pelvic pain, fever, shoulder pain, or may be pregnant. Emergency assessment is also appropriate for marked dizziness, breathlessness, or bleeding with severe pain. Do not wait for a routine appointment if these symptoms appear.

Ask what may be causing the pattern, whether pregnancy or infection testing is needed, and whether your cervix or womb needs examination. Ask how to monitor blood loss, which treatments fit your situation, and what symptoms should prompt urgent review.