What should you know about virgin bleeding between periods?

Spotting may occur around ovulation, after a change in contraception, with missed doses, infection or irritation. Chlamydia and Cervical Dysplasia can present with unexpected bleeding. Uterine Fibroids and Endometrial Polyps may cause irregular bleeding by affecting the cervix or womb lining. Womb Cancer and Cervical Cancer can also present with bleeding between periods, so the symptom cannot establish its cause without assessment.

A clinician may ask about cycle pattern, pregnancy possibility, medicines, contraception, pain and discharge. Depending on your age and symptoms, assessment may include a pregnancy test, infection testing, examination, blood tests or imaging.

Keep a record of bleeding days, amount, colour, clots, pain and related discharge. Arrange a healthcare appointment if the pattern persists, returns, follows sex, or occurs with pelvic symptoms. Take your contraception details and medicine list. Do not stop prescribed contraception without advice, and seek testing if there is any possibility of pregnancy or infection.

Get urgent help for heavy bleeding, severe or one-sided pelvic pain, faintness, shoulder-tip pain, fever or weakness, especially if pregnancy is possible. Emergency care is needed if you feel faint or unstable. Prompt review is also appropriate for bleeding after menopause, repeated bleeding or symptoms that are steadily worsening.

Ask what causes fit your cycle and medicines, whether pregnancy or infection testing is needed, and whether your cervix or womb lining should be examined. Ask when to return if bleeding continues and which results would lead to imaging or specialist referral.