Is it normal to spot when switching birth control

Women who are miscarrying often experience cramping as well. Some bleeding could also occur with an ectopic pregnancy, which happens when the fertilized egg implants in one of the fallopian tubes. This type of pregnancy cannot survive and needs to be removed to prevent further health complications. While the most likely cause of breakthrough bleeding is an issue with the birth control itself, there are some other possible causes of heavy spotting which require medical attention, such as:.

If you think any of these conditions may be the cause of your bleeding, talk to your doctor. In addition, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible if you experience any of the following symptoms along with abnormal vaginal bleeding:.

However, there are certain situations where you might experience bleeding between periods while on birth control, including: Starting a new type of birth control Low estrogen levels Using an IUD Using birth control to skip your periods Missing a dose or taking a dose late Medication interactions with your birth control If you start using birth control for the first time, switch to a new brand, or start using a new type of birth control i. How to Stop Spotting There are a few strategies you can try if you are experiencing frequent heavy spotting or breakthrough bleeding: Switch birth control brands.

Find a birth control option with an easier schedule. Could I Be Pregnant? When to See a Doctor While the most likely cause of breakthrough bleeding is an issue with the birth control itself, there are some other possible causes of heavy spotting which require medical attention, such as: STIs like chlamydia or gonorrhea Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.

Download WordPress Themes. If you have missed a few pills or have been inconsistent in taking them, you may want to use a backup method of birth control until you start to consistently take your pills and resume a regular cycle again. In general, birth control pills are effective for preventing pregnancy, but missing doses diminishes their effectiveness. If you experience breakthrough bleeding while taking birth control pills, continue taking them as prescribed.

If you have missed pills, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for advice on how to proceed safely. Your instructions will vary depending on the type of birth control pill you are taking, how many pills you missed , and what point you are in your cycle. You may have persistent bleeding while using birth control pills. This can occur when the hormones are not at the right dose for you, when you have a medical issue, or if you aren't able to take your pill every day.

If you continue to experience spotting even after a few months of consistently using birth control pills, your healthcare provider might prescribe you a different type of birth control pill to see if it can regulate your bleeding.

There are other options for women who can't take a pill every day due to a busy schedule, frequent travel, or any other reason. You might be a candidate for other methods of birth control, which are scheduled at less frequent intervals than oral contraceptives. It is important to be evaluated to check whether the bleeding has anything to do with your birth control pills or if something else is causing it.

Bleeding, particularly persistent bleeding may be a sign of a serious health concern, including PCOS, thyroid disorders, pelvic inflammatory disease PID , or cancer.

Although it may be bothersome, spotting does not necessarily mean that something is wrong, but it can happen for a number of reasons, including perimenopause or health issues like PCOS. If you experience spotting whether or not you are taking birth control pills, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider. Your practitioner can help to find the cause and treat it.

This could be as simple as changing your birth control prescription, but it may involve the management of a medical condition. Taking the pill at the same time every day and not missing doses lowers that risk. Some antibiotics , antifungals, and other medications can make birth control pills less effective, so discuss those drugs with your healthcare provider. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.

Villavicencio J, Allen RH. Unscheduled bleeding and contraceptive choice: increasing satisfaction and continuation rates. Open Access J Contracept. Zigler RE, Mcnicholas C.

Unscheduled vaginal bleeding with progestin-only contraceptive use. Am J Obstet Gynecol. Harvard Health Publishing. Dysfunctional uterine bleeding. March, Center for Young Women's Health. Medical uses of the birth control pill. Updated July 19, ,. Consensus statement on the use of oral contraceptive pills in polycystic ovarian syndrome women in India.

J Hum Reprod Sci. Weisberg E, Fraser IS. Contraception and endometriosis: challenges, efficacy, and therapeutic importance. Breakthrough bleeding is a common concern among women using hormonal birth control.

Most often, my patients come in saying they feel fine, but are noticing a little spotting when they use the bathroom. Should they be worried?

I reassure them that breakthrough bleeding rarely signals a health problem. But there are ways we can try to fix it.

Breakthrough bleeding happens more often with low-dose and ultra-low-dose birth control pills, the implant, and hormonal IUDs. With IUDs, women often have spotting and irregular bleeding in the first months after placement. This usually gets better in 2 to 6 months. With the implant, though, the bleeding pattern women have in the first 3 months is usually their pattern going forward. Some medications, like emergency contraception pills, also can cause irregular bleeding.

Having certain infections, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea , also can increase risk. Quitting smoking can help. So can taking birth control pills at the same time each day.