Causes of Vaginal Bleeding While on Birth
Control

The causes of vaginal bleeding while on birth control vary from person to person. Understanding the reasons for vaginal bleeding while on birth control is important in deciding whether you should seek medical attention.

Are you using these in between periods while on birth control?

If you are currently on birth control and experience vaginal bleeding during your active pills (i.e. breakthrough bleeding), you may wonder if there is something wrong. There can be many causes of vaginal bleeding while on birth control but be rest assured that most women experience normal spotting in between periods, especially during the first three months of starting a new contraceptive.

A hormonal imbalance is the main cause for spotting in between periods while on birth control. For some women, it takes time for their body to recognize and accept the new hormones from the birth control pills. In the time that it takes your body to adjust, it may become confused as to when you should start menstruating.

If you are unsure as to the reason why you have breakthrough bleeding, you may want to notice how much blood you are losing. Keep count of how many pads you use in an hour or in a day (depending on your blood loss). Women who have normal bleeding during the first three months of starting a new birth control will usually only have a small amount of spotting that is manageable by using a pantiliner. However, if you are experiencing a large amount of blood loss or moderate bleeding for a long time, there may be something much more serious going on.

There are some instances in which vaginal bleeding is not normal and requires medical follow up. If you experience any of the following symptoms or are at risk for any of the following, consult your physician immediately.

If you have unprotected sex with someone who has not been tested for a sexually transmitted disease, you should get tested. Chlamydia and gonorrhea may cause vaginal bleeding. If left untreated, the symptoms will become severe.

You may have an undiagnosed infection, especially if you haven't received a PAP smear lately. Many times, you may not have any other symptoms other than the vaginal bleeding or it could be because the infection is worse because you ignored the early warning signs. These warning signs include redness, itchiness, or burning when urinating. Infection can be found in your bladder, uterus, or other area, so it's important to find out the cause so it can be treated.

You may have a tumor or other organic disorder that is causing the vaginal bleeding. If you do have a tumor, you need to seek medical attention immediately to determine if it is cancerous. Do not let denial keep you from getting help!

If you ruled out all serious health problems and continue to experience breakthrough bleeding, you may want to consider switching your birth control. There are many different types of birth control pills and methods on the market today. Discuss your options with your doctor so you can make an informed decision that will give you the protection and satisfaction you desire from contraception.

• Winter Maternity Clothing
• Maternity Polo Shirts
• Summer Maternity Fashion
• Gender Selection and Conception
• Conception Myths

• How Soon Can I Take a Pregnancy Test
• Natural Ways to Induce Labor
• How to Conceive a Boy
• How to Conceive a Girl
• Early Pregnancy Symptoms

• Factors that Impact Pregnancy and Birth
• Vaginal Itching
• Birth Control IUD
• Main Page
• Category:Conception and Birth Control