Understanding Bleeding While Taking Birth Control Pills: Causes & What to Do
Breakthrough Bleeding- Common during first few months while taking combination pills
- Also may happen with other types of Hormonal Contraception
- Bleeding usually resolves by the end of 2-3 cycles
- If spotting or bleeding is heavy or prolonged, call your MD
Causes of Breakthrough Bleeding while taking Contraception
- Your body adjusting to the hormonal changes of birth control pills
- Taking pills too late or forgetting pills on several days
- Taking certain medication (antibiotics, aspirin, rifampin, anti-seizure pills, St John's Wort)
- A medical condition (STD, miscarriage, uterine polyps)
Tips to Manage Breakthrough Bleeding
- Take your pills on the same time every day
- Complete your pill pack as normal, even when bleeding
- Consider the use of a backup contraceptive method
- Call your MD if symptoms persist of change
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