Bleeding between periods (intermenstrual spotting) can have benign causes: ovulation, the first months on a new pill or coil, a missed pill, or implantation in early pregnancy. Hormonal contraception is one of the most common reasons and often settles within a few cycles.
However, spotting can also signal infections, polyps, fibroids, cervical changes, or, less commonly, more serious conditions. Bleeding after sex, after menopause, or that is persistent always warrants assessment because it can be an early warning sign.
Book an appointment if spotting is new, happens repeatedly, occurs after intercourse, or comes with pain, unusual discharge, or fever. Any bleeding after menopause should be checked promptly. Keeping a simple record of when the spotting happens helps your clinician find the cause.