Birth Control Pills - Breakthrough Bleeding

Why do I get breakthrough bleeding with my birth control pill?

• When any birth control pill is started, there is a chance that breakthrough bleeding may occur during the first few months of use. Breakthrough bleeding occurs as your body adjusts to different hormone levels. Breakthrough bleeding is a normal and usually temporary side effect with birth control use.
  
  
• The chances for breakthrough bleeding are greater with progestin-only, continuous-dose or extended-dose birth control pills. In addition, you are more likely to have breakthrough bleeding if you miss a pill, take certain medications that interfere with the pill, or have vomiting or diarrhea that may interfere with the absorption of the pill.
  
  
• Continue taking your birth control as directed, even if you have breakthrough bleeding. Breakthrough bleeding usually subsides in a few months.
  
  
• If breakthrough bleeding does not subside, becomes very heavy or lasts for more than seven days in a row, contact your healthcare provider. You may need to change the type of birth control or birth control pill that you use.

See Also:

• Birth Control Options
• Birth Control Pills
• Birth Control Pills - Missed Pill
• Birth Control Pills - Periods
• Birth Control Pills - Risks vs Benefits
• Emergency Contraception
• Hormonal Birth Control (Non-Pill Options)
• Non-hormonal Birth Control
• Permanent Birth Control