What could this be? i have been bleeding, not heavy just spotting on a pad and when i wipe, it has been brown to black for over a month. the only time it turns a bright red color is after sex. i have no pain with it. i have been on the birth control shot

First : First of all, make sure that your bleeding is coming from your vagina and not your urethra or rectum. If you insert a tampon and there is blood on it, then you know the bleeding is coming from wither your uterus, cervix or vagina. If you are pre-menopausal, there are many causes for vaginal bleeding not related to your period such as: - iud or Depo Provera (medroxyprogesterone) use - stopping or starting birth control pills containing estrogen - stress - hormone problems such as with the thyroid - injury/trauma of the vagina from intercourse or a sexually transmitted disease (the bright red you see after having sex might just be from friction of the penis against the cervix) - uterine fibroids or polyps - cervical injury, infection or rarely, cancer - pregnancy - highly unlikely since you are on Depo-Provera and breastfeeding the best way to sort out what could be happening is to call your doctor. If you are bleeding heavily, call immediately, otherwise you can call during office hours. A careful exam can help show whether your spotting is anything to worry about. Good luck!