Q: What causes bleeding between periods (intermenstrual bleeding)?

Bleeding between periods can vary from a light spotting to heavy, prolonged bleeding. If the bleeding occurs mid-cycle (halfway between periods), it may be due to ovulation. Ovulation is when the egg is shed from the ovary, ready to be fertilised to become a pregnancy. Some women get an ovulatory bleed each cycle. This is nothing to worry about and is simply a variation of normal. However, if you experience mid-cycle bleeding for the first time, speak to your doctor. It may be necessary for some further tests to make sure that nothing more serious is going on.

-- Miss Adeola Olaitan, Consultant Gynaecologist, University College Hospital, London.