What does spotting mean when on birth control

Buckle up and get ready to learn all about bleeding while on birth control. Spotting , or irregular bleeding between periods. In most cases, this bleeding is harmless, but that does not make it any less daunting or unpleasant. Furthermore, it is always a best practice to contact a healthcare professional not only for medical support, but also for peace of mind.

While spotting may occur for a number of different reasons, today we will focus on the relationship between this irregular bleeding and contraception. Breakthrough bleeding , or unscheduled bleeding while taking birth control, is common.

Women may experience this within the first three to four months after they start the pill, as the body takes time to adjust to the new hormones. Additionally, if pills are taken inconsistently i. After a few months of consistent use, breakthrough bleeding should stop. If you continue to experience this unscheduled bleeding, contact a doctor.

While spotting may simply mean that your current birth control should be assessed, it could be a sign of another bleeding disorder. Any contraceptive method that contains hormones is the most likely to cause breakthrough bleeding. This category includes:.

While breakthrough bleeding is possible with all of these options, that does not mean it will occur in all women — what works for one may not work for another. Some women may need to experiment with a few different types of birth control to find their perfect match.

If birth control is not the reason for breakthrough bleeding, additional factors may play a role. Furthermore, consulting a doctor is a good way to determine exactly what is going on in your body. A light or regular tampon can also help. While some people take birth control pills for decades without any problems, others experience troublesome side effects.

A person should call the doctor if any of the following occur:. If a person is still spotting after taking the pill for 6 months, the doctor may wish to change the prescription. Several different types and brands of birth control pill are available. The doctor may prescribe a pill with a higher estrogen dose or one with a different progestin formulation. People should also look for possible signs and symptoms of an infection. In addition to spotting, these can include:.

Spotting on the pill is likely to occur in the first 6 months of starting hormonal birth control. If it occurs after this time or there are symptoms of infection, it is best to speak to a doctor for further evaluation. A doctor may prescribe a different type of pill or recommend nonhormonal birth control methods instead.

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Menstruation is a natural effect of the production of an egg in the ovaries. It can cause a range of effects across the body and its systems. For many, it can be hard to distinguish between spotting and periods. In many cases, the cause of the spotting is unknown and harmless. The estrogen in combination pills helps to stabilize the lining of the uterus.

This can prevent irregular bleeding and spotting. Women who take progestin-only pills may experience more frequent spotting. Irregular bleeding with cramps can also be a sign of pregnancy or miscarriage and may require medical attention.

Women who take progestin-only pills are at higher risk of spotting. You may have an increased risk of spotting while on the pill if you smoke cigarettes. Let your doctor know of any smoking habits before you get a prescription so you can chat about the potential complications. Women who take continuous birth control pills may also be at a higher risk of spotting.

These pills include Seasonale, Seasonique, and Quartette. Occasionally, your doctor may advise you to take a short break from the continuous cycle of hormones to allow your body to have a short period. This may help resolve any irregular bleeding. The pill is also associated with an increased risk of blood clotting. Blood clotting can lead to:.

Most cases of spotting while on the pill are temporary and will resolve over time. Be sure to let your doctor know if you experience any of the following:.

If you have unprotected sex after missing two or more pills or have sex with a partner who may have an STI, speak with your doctor. Once you rule out any underlying causes for your irregular bleeding, your doctor may prescribe a different type of pill or form of birth control. Ask about pills that contain estrogen, since this hormone helps keep the lining of the uterus in place.

Monophasic pills keep your levels of estrogen stable over the course of the month. Multiphasic pills change the levels at different points throughout your cycle. Your body may react differently to higher or lower levels of estrogen, so only change pills under the direction of your doctor.

These pills are safe, and your doctor will give you instructions on when to take them for the best results. Spotting typically resolves after the first three to four months of using birth control pills. One of the best ways to prevent or reduce spotting while on the pill is to take your medication at the same time each day. This helps regulate your hormone levels.

Wearing panty liners can help prevent unexpected accidents and stained clothing. Be sure to pay attention to your bleeding and other symptoms.