What should you know about continuous breakthrough bleeding?

Breakthrough bleeding is bleeding outside an expected menstrual pattern, often while using hormonal contraception. It may follow starting, stopping, missing, or changing a contraceptive method. Bleeding after sex, unusual discharge, pelvic discomfort, or pain when urinating can point toward cervical irritation or an infection such as Chlamydia. A polyp in the womb can also cause repeated light bleeding. The bleeding pattern itself cannot identify the cause, and it does not by itself mean cancer.

Arrange a clinician visit if the bleeding continues, returns, or is affecting daily life. Record when it appears, how much protection you use, whether it follows sex or a missed contraceptive dose, and any pain or discharge. A clinician may review contraception, check for pregnancy when relevant, examine the cervix, and offer infection testing or imaging based on your history. Do not stop a prescribed contraceptive without advice if pregnancy prevention matters to you.

Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding with dizziness, fainting, severe pelvic pain, shoulder-tip pain, fever, or feeling very unwell. Seek prompt assessment for bleeding during pregnancy, after menopause, or after sex that keeps recurring. These warning features guide urgency; they do not establish a diagnosis.

Could my contraceptive method or a missed dose explain this pattern? Do I need a pregnancy test, infection test, cervical examination, or scan? What changes should make me contact you sooner?