Vaginal bleeding between periods: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Go to an emergency department now if you have:

   • Heavy bleeding with fainting, marked dizziness, breathlessness or chest pain
   • Bleeding that soaks through a pad or tampon every hour for over two hours
   • Possible pregnancy with severe or one-sided pelvic pain
   • Possible pregnancy with shoulder-tip pain, weakness, dizziness or fainting
   • Severe pelvic pain, fever or rapidly worsening symptoms

   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

   Contact a healthcare service promptly if you have any vaginal bleeding after menopause, even if it happens only once or is a small amount.

   Seek same-day medical advice if pregnancy is possible and you have bleeding.

   This is particularly important if you also have pelvic pain.

   Contact the prescribing service promptly about unexpected bleeding.

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

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Arrange a routine appointment if the bleeding happens more than once, continues, becomes more frequent or is different from your usual pattern.

   Also make an appointment if you have bleeding after sex, unusual discharge, pain during sex or possible exposure to a sexually transmitted infection.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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