Sudden bleeding between periods: what to know

Spotting may occur around ovulation, after a change in contraception, or when cycles are becoming irregular during perimenopause. Chlamydia and other cervical inflammation can cause bleeding, sometimes with discharge or pelvic discomfort. Polyps and uterine fibroids can bleed from the womb, while cervical dysplasia or cancer can present with unexpected bleeding; the symptom alone cannot identify the cause.

If pregnancy is possible, mention it at the appointment because pregnancy-related causes need a different assessment. Record the date, flow, colour, pain, and any missed or unusually timed period.

Arrange a routine appointment for new, repeated, or unexplained bleeding. A clinician may review contraception and medicines, perform an examination, offer infection testing or a pregnancy test, and arrange imaging if the pattern suggests a uterine cause.

Use pads if you need to track flow, and avoid changing prescribed contraception without advice. Share any bleeding after sex or between periods, rather than describing each episode separately.

Seek urgent help if bleeding is heavy, you feel faint, have severe abdominal or pelvic pain, fever, or symptoms of pregnancy with pain or bleeding. Prompt care matters when blood loss is increasing or you feel unwell.

Ask which causes fit your cycle pattern, whether you need infection or pregnancy testing, and whether cervical screening is up to date. Ask what amount of bleeding should prompt same-day care.