Spotting after your period has finished

Spotting is lighter bleeding between expected periods. It may appear as pink, red, or brown discharge. Changes in contraception, ovulation, vaginal dryness, or irritation around the cervix can contribute. Infections such as Chlamydia may cause bleeding between periods, sometimes with unusual discharge, pelvic discomfort, or pain during sex. Polyps and fibroids can also bleed because they affect the cervix or the lining of the womb. Cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer can present with abnormal bleeding, but spotting alone cannot identify its cause.

Note when the spotting began, how long it lasted, its colour, and whether it followed sex, missed contraception, or a change in medicines. Record pain, discharge, fever, or urinary symptoms as well. Arrange a clinician review if it returns, continues, happens after sex, or occurs after menopause. A clinician may ask about pregnancy possibility, contraception, infections, and screening, then decide whether an examination or tests are needed.

Seek urgent medical help if bleeding becomes heavy, you feel faint or weak, or you develop severe or one-sided pelvic pain. Get prompt advice for bleeding with fever, worsening pain, or a positive pregnancy test. These features need assessment for causes that require timely treatment, regardless of whether the spotting is light at first.

Could my contraception, medicines, or an infection explain this spotting? Do I need a pregnancy test, cervical examination, or infection testing? What changes should make me seek urgent help?