Breakthrough bleeding - meaning and definition
Alsospottingunscheduled bleedingspotting between periodsbleeding between periodsintermenstrual bleeding
Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.
Definition
Breakthrough bleeding is unexpected light bleeding or spotting between periods or withdrawal bleeds, common in the first months of hormonal contraception.
At a glance
- It is light bleeding or spotting between periods or withdrawal bleeds.
- It is common in the first months of a new hormonal method and often settles within about three months.
- It is more likely after missed pills, with continuous pill use or with progestogen-only methods.
- It does not usually mean the contraception has stopped working.
- Bleeding that is new, persistent, heavy, after sex or with pain should be checked by a clinician.
In detail
It often settles within about three months as the body adjusts to a new method. It is also more likely after missed pills, with continuous pill use, or with progestogen-only methods such as the implant, injection or mini pill.
Breakthrough bleeding does not usually mean the contraception has stopped working. However, bleeding that is new, persistent, heavy, happens after sex or comes with pain should be checked by a clinician, because it can have other causes, including infections such as chlamydia.
In a sentence
- The nurse said a bit of breakthrough bleeding is normal in the first few months on the implant.
- I mentioned the breakthrough bleeding at my check-up and they offered an STI test as well.
Not to be confused with
- Pill-free interval
The bleed during a planned pill break is expected, whereas breakthrough bleeding happens while hormones are still being taken.
Common questions
Is spotting on the pill normal?
Spotting is common in the first few months of hormonal contraception and often settles as the body adjusts. It does not usually mean the method has stopped working.
When should breakthrough bleeding be checked?
Bleeding that is new, persistent, heavy, happens after sex or comes with pain is worth checking with a clinician or sexual health clinic, because it can have other causes, including infections such as chlamydia.