Random spotting when you are not on your period

Spotting is light vaginal bleeding between expected periods. It may follow a change in contraception, occur around ovulation, or happen when the cervix is irritated after sex. Pregnancy-related bleeding and sexually transmitted infections are also possibilities. Less common causes include endometrial polyps, uterine fibroids, cervical dysplasia, or cancer. Bleeding between periods is a symptom, not a diagnosis; the symptom alone cannot identify its cause.

Note when the spotting began, its colour and amount, whether it followed sex, and any pain, discharge, fever, dizziness, or chance of pregnancy. Arrange a clinical assessment if it recurs, continues, or is new for you. A clinician may ask about contraception and medicines and decide whether you need a pregnancy test, infection testing, an examination, or imaging.

Seek urgent care for heavy bleeding, severe or one-sided pelvic pain, fainting, marked weakness, fever, or bleeding during pregnancy. Contact a clinician promptly for bleeding after menopause, bleeding after sex that keeps returning, or spotting with unusual discharge or pelvic pain.

Ask what causes fit your bleeding pattern, which tests are appropriate, whether contraception could be contributing, and what change should prompt a review.