How do I stop breakthrough bleeding?

This is bleeding or spotting outside your expected period. It may happen after starting, stopping, missing, or changing hormonal contraception while the lining adjusts. Infection, cervical irritation, pregnancy-related changes, or growths inside the womb can also cause bleeding. Chlamydia can present with bleeding between periods, sometimes with pelvic pain or unusual discharge. Endometrial polyps can also present with irregular bleeding.

Track when the bleeding starts, how long it lasts, and whether it follows a missed pill or another contraceptive change. Take contraception exactly as prescribed; do not double doses unless a clinician or the product instructions tell you to. Use pads if you need to monitor flow, and arrange a review if spotting continues, returns repeatedly, or began after sex. A clinician may check for pregnancy, infection, medication effects, or a womb-related cause before suggesting a treatment change.

Seek urgent care for very heavy bleeding, faintness, severe or one-sided pelvic pain, shoulder-tip pain, or bleeding with a possible pregnancy. Contact a clinician promptly for fever, worsening pelvic pain, unpleasant-smelling discharge, bleeding after menopause, or bleeding that keeps recurring. These symptoms need assessment rather than home treatment alone.

Could my contraception, medicines, infection, or pregnancy explain this bleeding? Do I need a pregnancy test, infection check, or examination? If the bleeding continues, what change in contraception or treatment would be suitable for me?