How to prevent breakthrough bleeding?

The womb lining may need time to adjust after starting, changing or using hormonal contraception. Late or missed doses, vomiting, medicine interactions and smoking can affect some methods. Bleeding can also come from pregnancy, infection such as Chlamydia, or a polyp rather than contraception itself. The timing relative to a new method and the amount of bleeding help guide the assessment.

Take or use your contraception on schedule and follow instructions after a missed dose. Do not stop a prescribed method abruptly without advice if pregnancy prevention matters. Keep a record of doses, bleeding, sex, pain and discharge. A clinician can check for pregnancy, review other medicines, test for infection and consider a different method or treatment. Seek advice before adding supplements or non-prescription hormones. Read about Chlamydia and Endometrial Polyps if either is being considered.

Get urgent help for heavy bleeding, faintness, severe pelvic pain, fever or possible pregnancy with pain or bleeding. Arrange a review if bleeding begins after a stable pattern, follows sex, continues through several cycles, or comes with unusual discharge or pelvic pain. A small amount can still deserve assessment when the pattern is new.

Ask whether missed doses, interactions or your contraceptive method could explain the bleeding. Ask whether pregnancy or infection testing is needed, how long adjustment may take, and which alternative method would suit your priorities.