Symptoms of Spotting Between Periods

Spotting may look pink, red, or brown and can come from the cervix, vagina, or womb. Hormonal contraception, ovulation, changes around menopause, irritation after sex, and infections such as Chlamydia can all contribute. Cervical dysplasia, cervical cancer, endometrial polyps, uterine fibroids, or womb cancer are less common possibilities that need medical assessment rather than guesswork. A symptom does not identify its cause by itself.

Note when it started, how much blood you see, whether it follows sex, and whether you have pelvic pain, unusual discharge, fever, dizziness, or a missed period. These details help a clinician choose an examination or testing.

Arrange a gynaecology or primary-care review if spotting is new, repeated, or unexplained. Use a pad if you need to track the amount, and record dates and related symptoms. Do not douche or place products inside the vagina before an examination. If pregnancy is possible, mention it when booking and take a pregnancy test according to the product instructions.

Seek urgent medical help for heavy bleeding, severe or one-sided pelvic pain, faintness, marked weakness, fever, or bleeding during a possible pregnancy. A clinician should also assess bleeding after menopause, bleeding after sex that keeps returning, or spotting with a new pelvic lump or persistent discharge.

Ask what might explain the timing, whether you need a pregnancy test, infection testing, cervical screening, or an ultrasound, and which changes should prompt faster review. Bring a list of medicines, contraception, and recent procedures.