How can I stop breakthrough bleeding?

Breakthrough bleeding is bleeding outside the expected time of a period. It is common after starting, changing, missing, or stopping hormonal contraception, while the lining adjusts to a new hormone pattern. Infection, cervical changes, and growths such as Endometrial Polyps can also cause bleeding between periods. Chlamydia may present with unusual bleeding, especially when there is pelvic discomfort, pain during sex, or unusual discharge.

The colour and amount can vary from a few spots to bleeding that resembles a light period. Bleeding after sex, new pelvic pain, or a pattern that keeps returning deserves a clinical assessment rather than repeated self-treatment.

Take your prescribed contraceptive at the same time each day and follow the instructions for missed doses. Do not add, stop, or double hormonal medication without advice. Note when bleeding starts, how long it lasts, whether it follows sex or a missed dose, and any pain or discharge. Use pads if you need to judge the amount more easily.

A clinician may check for pregnancy, infection, medication interactions, or a cervical or uterine cause, then discuss whether a change in contraception or another treatment is suitable. Avoid vaginal douching, which can irritate tissue and make symptoms harder to interpret.

Arrange prompt medical advice for repeated bleeding, bleeding after sex, pelvic pain, fever, unusual discharge, or bleeding after menopause. Seek urgent help for very heavy bleeding, faintness, severe or worsening pain, or possible pregnancy with pain or bleeding.

Ask what may be driving the timing, whether you need a pregnancy or infection check, how to manage missed contraception, and what changes should trigger urgent care.