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Why am I spotting between periods?
Spotting between periods, before your period or after sex: the common causes, from ovulation and birth control to infection, and when to see a doctor.
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In short
Why am I spotting between periods?
Spotting between periods is light bleeding outside your normal period. It's often caused by ovulation, starting or missing hormonal birth control, an IUD, early pregnancy or stress. It can also come from infections, polyps, fibroids or changes in the cervix. Spotting that keeps happening, follows sex or comes after menopause should always be checked by a doctor.
Written by the Gyne team · Medical review: pending
Key takeaways
- Spotting is light bleeding, a few drops of pink, red or brown blood, outside your period.
- Common causes include ovulation, hormonal birth control, an IUD and early pregnancy.
- Bleeding after sex or spotting that keeps coming back should be checked by a doctor.
- If you could be pregnant, take a test, and get care fast if you also have pain or feel faint.
What counts as spotting?
Spotting is a small amount of blood, usually a few drops of pink, red or brown on your underwear or toilet paper. It's usually too light to need more than a pantyliner.
Doctors call bleeding between periods intermenstrual bleeding. It comes from the uterus, the cervix (the opening of the uterus) or the vagina, so first check the blood isn't from your urine or your bottom.
What causes spotting between periods?
Most causes are harmless and easy to treat, but some need a check. Common causes include:
- Ovulation, which can cause light spotting and one-sided pain mid-cycle.
- Hormonal birth control, especially in the first months, or after missed or late pills, patches or rings.
- An IUD, which can cause spotting, especially in the first months.
- Early pregnancy, including implantation bleeding, a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy.
- Stress, or changes in hormone levels.
- Infections of the cervix or uterus, including sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia.
- Polyps or fibroids, non-cancerous growths in the uterus or on the cervix.
- An underactive thyroid, or blood thinners.
- Rarely, cancer or pre-cancer of the cervix or uterus.
Is spotting before your period normal?
Light brown or pink spotting a day or two before your period starts is common. It's often the first slow start of your period.
If you spot for several days before every period, or it's a new change for you, mention it to your doctor. It can be linked to hormone changes, polyps or other conditions that are easy to check.
Why do I bleed after sex?
Bleeding after sex can come from small tears caused by friction or dryness, an infection, a cervical polyp or changes in the cervix. Some of these changes are harmless, and some need treatment.
Bleeding after sex should be checked by a doctor, especially if it happens more than once. Ask whether you're due for a cervical screening test and tests for infections.
Could spotting mean I'm pregnant?
It can. Some people get light spotting in very early pregnancy, around when a period would be due. If you've had sex and your period is late or unusually light, take a pregnancy test.
Any bleeding in pregnancy should be checked by a doctor or midwife. With severe belly pain, shoulder pain, dizziness or fainting, get emergency help, because these can be signs of an ectopic pregnancy.
Can birth control cause spotting?
Yes. Spotting between periods, called breakthrough bleeding, is common in the first few months of hormonal birth control, and with the hormonal or copper IUD, the implant or the shot.
Missing pills, or stopping and starting a method, can also cause spotting. If it doesn't settle or bothers you, talk to your doctor or nurse before you change or stop your method.
What will a doctor check?
Your doctor will ask when the bleeding happens, how much there is and whether you have other symptoms. Noting dates and amounts for a few weeks helps.
Tests may include a pregnancy test, a pelvic exam, a cervical screening test, swabs for infections, blood tests for thyroid and hormones, and a pelvic ultrasound.
When to see a doctor
- You bleed between periods for no clear reason, or it keeps happening.
- You bleed after sex, especially more than once.
- You have any bleeding after menopause.
- Spotting comes with pelvic pain, unusual discharge, a bad smell, fever or pain when you pee.
- You're pregnant and notice any bleeding: call your doctor or midwife.
- You could be pregnant and have bleeding with severe belly pain, shoulder pain, dizziness or fainting: call 911 or your local emergency number.
How Gyne helps
Gyne's calendar shows your period, fertile window and past cycles at a glance, so you can see when spotting happens in your cycle. When something you log, like stress or illness, can shift your cycle, it asks a short question and explains any change in one line.
PeriodsThis guide is general information, not medical advice. Only a doctor can diagnose a condition.