Arrange a consultation
Talk with a doctor if bleeding or pain disrupts daily life, persists or returns. Also report bleeding between periods or after sex. Any bleeding or spotting after menopause needs medical assessment, even if it has happened only once.
When urgent help is needed
Sudden, very severe pelvic or lower abdominal pain, fainting, or very heavy bleeding with weakness needs immediate medical help. If you are pregnant or pregnancy is possible, seek urgent medical advice for pain or bleeding. Do not wait to collect notes. In a life-threatening emergency, call your local emergency number — 112 in the EU.
If you are unsure how urgently you need help, contact a healthcare service. This page is not a tool for assessing urgency yourself.
Notes are support, not a requirement for a visit. Do not delay seeking advice to collect a complete history.
Sources and scope
International sources inform general information; UK referral rules and waiting times are not presented as rules for other countries.