Spotting: Is any bloody vaginal discharge

Spotting is any bloody vaginal discharge that doesn’t require the use of period products, like a pad or tampon (1). Any unexplained spotting should be addressed with your healthcare provider (2). Spotting can be a side effect of your hormonal contraceptive (3,4). When should you see a doctor for spotting between periods? While spotting between periods may not be alarming, it may be a symptom of a more severe condition. If you do experience frequent spotting and it's accompanied by other symptoms like pain, heavy bleeding, fever, or itching, visit your doctor. Spotting is light vaginal bleeding that can occur outside of your regular menstrual period. It's typically different from the bleeding during your period, which tends to be heavier and more consistent. Understand what premenstrual spotting means, why spotting before period occurs, and how you can treat or prevent it with simple lifestyle changes