Vaginal bleeding between periods or after sex: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Seek emergency care now if you may be pregnant and have bleeding with severe or one-sided pelvic pain, shoulder-tip pain, marked dizziness, weakness, or fainting.

   These can be signs of an ectopic pregnancy or significant blood loss.

   Emergency assessment is also appropriate if bleeding is very heavy—for example, rapidly soaking through pads—or if you feel faint, short of breath, confused, or too weak to stand safely.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Arrange same-day medical advice if bleeding is accompanied by severe or worsening pelvic pain, fever, foul-smelling discharge, or feeling seriously unwell.

   Do not delay urgent care while waiting to test if you have pain, faintness, or heavy bleeding.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Book a routine appointment if:

   • Bleeding between periods or after sex happens more than once
   • The bleeding continues or has no clear explanation
   • You have pain, unusual discharge, or pain during sex
   • You may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection
   • Bleeding starts after menopause, even if it is light or happens once
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Vaginal bleeding between periods or after sex. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.