Spotting usually lasts from a few hours up to a couple of days. For example:

• Implantation spotting typically lasts a few hours to a couple of days, but some women report up to seven days. It is light bleeding occurring when a fertilized egg implants in the uterus.

• Spotting occurring during pregnancy is most common in the first trimester and can last a few hours up to two weeks in cases like miscarriage-related bleeding.

• Spotting caused by ovulation usually lasts a day or two.

• Spotting related to birth control use generally appears for the first two to three months and tends to stop thereafter.

• Spotting after sex typically lasts only a few hours.

• In general, spotting unrelated to menstruation usually lasts no longer than 1 or 2 days. If it persists longer or changes in pattern, it is recommended to see a doctor.

Thus, spotting length varies depending on cause, but it generally lasts from a few hours to a couple of days, sometimes up to a week in specific cases like implantation. If spotting continues beyond a few days or recurs frequently, medical advice should be sought.