Vaginal spotting after a period: what to know

Spotting may appear as pink, red, or brown marks between periods. Hormonal contraception, changes around ovulation, or missed doses can alter the pattern. Friction, vaginal dryness, or irritation of the cervix can also cause bleeding, particularly after sex. Infections such as chlamydia may cause bleeding between periods or after intercourse and can occur with discharge, pelvic discomfort, or pain when urinating.

Polyps and fibroids are non-cancerous growths that can contribute to irregular bleeding. Cervical dysplasia and cancers of the cervix or womb are less common explanations, but bleeding that is unusual for you should not be dismissed on appearance alone.

Keep a brief record of the bleeding, including where it falls in your cycle, its colour, amount, duration, and whether sex or a missed contraceptive dose preceded it. Arrange a medical review if the pattern is new, repeats, follows sex, or occurs with pain or unusual discharge. Take a list of medicines and contraception to the appointment.

A clinician may examine the vagina and cervix, offer infection testing, check for pregnancy when relevant, or arrange imaging and other tests based on your history. Read more about [Bleeding Between Periods](/symptoms/bleeding-between-periods/) for related symptom information.

Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, severe or one-sided pelvic pain, faintness, shoulder-tip pain, fever, or feeling very unwell. If pregnancy is possible, bleeding with pain or dizziness needs prompt assessment. Otherwise, book a routine appointment for unexplained or repeated spotting; urgency is guided by the bleeding pattern and accompanying symptoms, not by assuming a particular diagnosis.

Ask: Could my contraception or medicine explain this? Should I be tested for an infection? Do I need cervical screening or an examination? What would explain bleeding after sex? Which changes mean I should seek urgent help?