What should you know about watery bleeding between periods?

It can be spotting mixed with normal vaginal fluid. Hormonal contraception, ovulation, infection, irritation, and growths such as polyps or fibroids may contribute. The symptom is not a diagnosis, so its timing and accompanying symptoms matter.

Chlamydia can present with bleeding between periods, sometimes alongside discharge or pelvic discomfort. Endometrial polyps and uterine fibroids can disturb bleeding from the womb. Cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer can also present with unusual bleeding, while womb cancer may cause bleeding outside the expected cycle; bleeding alone does not prove any of these conditions.

A clinician may ask about your cycle pattern, contraception, pregnancy possibility, medicines, menopause, pain, and discharge. Assessment can include a pregnancy test, pelvic examination, infection testing, blood tests, or imaging depending on the history.

Book an appointment if the bleeding happens again or you cannot relate it to a clear cycle change. Keep a brief record of dates, flow, colour, clots, pain, discharge, and any missed contraception. Take a pregnancy test when pregnancy is possible. A clinician may recommend treatment for infection, review of contraception, or investigation of the cervix and womb. Radical hysterectomy is a specialist cancer operation, not a routine response to spotting.

Get urgent help for heavy bleeding, severe pain, dizziness or fainting, fever, or bleeding during pregnancy. Seek prompt review for bleeding after menopause, bleeding with a new or offensive discharge, or persistent bleeding accompanied by pelvic pain.

Ask: Could my contraception or an infection be contributing? Do I need a pregnancy test, swabs, or an examination? Could a polyp or fibroid explain the pattern? Which changes should make me seek urgent care?