How to stop spotting after your period

Light bleeding after menstrual flow has ended is called bleeding between periods. It may follow a change in contraception, missed pills, ovulation, pregnancy, irritation after sex, or an infection such as chlamydia. Cervical dysplasia, polyps, fibroids, and less commonly cancer of the cervix or womb can also present with unusual bleeding. The symptom alone cannot identify the cause.

Note when the spotting starts, how long it lasts, its colour and amount, and whether it follows sex or a contraceptive change. Take a pregnancy test if pregnancy is possible. Arrange a gynaecology or primary-care review if the bleeding repeats, continues, or is new for you; assessment may include an examination, pregnancy testing, infection testing, or cervical screening depending on your history.

Seek urgent care for heavy bleeding, faintness, severe or one-sided pelvic pain, shoulder-tip pain, or bleeding during a possible pregnancy. Prompt review is also sensible when spotting follows sex, occurs after menopause, or comes with fever, pelvic pain, or unusual discharge.

Could my contraception or medicines explain this bleeding? Do I need a pregnancy or infection test? Should my cervix or womb be examined, and what changes should make me return sooner?