What if you bleed while taking the active birth control pills?

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