Spotting every week between periods

Frequent spotting may be related to hormonal contraception, missed doses, ovulation changes, or irritation. Cervical infection can cause bleeding between periods, sometimes with discharge or pain. Polyps and fibroids can affect the surfaces or muscles of the womb and lead to irregular bleeding. Cervical dysplasia, cervical cancer, and womb cancer can also present with bleeding between periods; spotting itself cannot show which explanation applies.

A pregnancy-related cause should be considered when pregnancy is possible, especially if pain accompanies bleeding. The pattern, amount, and associated symptoms help a clinician decide whether examination, testing, or imaging is needed.

Book a primary-care or gynaecology appointment and bring a record of every episode. Include contraception, medicines, cycle dates, sex-related bleeding, pain, discharge, and pregnancy possibility. Do not stop prescribed contraception without advice. Use pads when useful for observing the amount, and avoid delaying care while waiting for the pattern to resolve.

Seek urgent help if bleeding becomes heavy or is paired with severe pain, fainting, dizziness, fever, or weakness. If pregnancy is possible, one-sided pain or shoulder-tip pain needs emergency assessment. Bleeding after menopause, or recurrent bleeding after sex, should be reviewed promptly even when the amount is small.

Ask what tests fit your pattern, whether a pregnancy or infection test is needed, and whether your cervix or womb should be examined. Ask which changes mean you should contact the clinic sooner and when follow-up should happen.