FAQs

Every so often when I take the contraceptive pill, I get bleeding when my periods not due. It’s not heavy, but enough to drive me crazy. What causes this?

Answer

Bleeding while you are on the Pill, or "break-through bleeding" can be caused by a number of things. It may be your body adjusting to taking the Pill and is common in the first three months of pill taking.

It is very important if it is persistent (continues after the first few months) that you go to see your doctor for assessment.

Other reasons for unexpected bleeding;

Taking pills late:

Probably the most common cause for break through bleeding on the Pill is taking pills incorrectly. Missing an active pill can cause spotting/bleeding two to three days later and taking the pills late on the weekends can sometimes cause spotting/bleeding on the Tuesday.

Skipping periods on the Pill:

Some women find that they can skip 'periods' for months in a row successfully whilst on the Pill. Others find that after a month or two they begin to get spotting or bleeding whilst taking the active hormone tablets. It's really a matter of trial and error. If you try and skip a period on a triphasic Pill for example 'Triphasil', you will probably experience spotting/bleeding straight away.

Taking antibiotics and anti-epileptic medications:

Some antibiotics and anti-epileptics can affect the bacteria in the bowel and this can affect absorption of the Pill, sometimes causing spotting or bleeding.

Taking natural remedies:

There is a herbal preparation, Hypericum or Saint John's Wort, a treatment for depression, which has been shown to cause irregular bleeding in women taking the Pill and could possibly make the Pill less effective.

Vomiting and diarrhoea:

If you have diarrhoea or vomiting, the Pill may not get into your system properly and you could experience spotting /bleeding.

Chlamydia:

Chlamydia - a bacteria acquired from a sexual partner during sex without a condom - can infect the cervix (the passage from the vagina into the uterus or womb) causing inflammation (cervicitis). Some women will notice an abnormal vaginal discharge or painful intercourse. Some women will notice irregular bleeding from the vagina or bleeding after sex. (Most women notice nothing). If you experience bleeding after sex at any time you need to check with your doctor.

Pregnancy:

This is unlikely if you started with an active hormone pill on the first day of your period, or started on a sugar pill and used extra protection for seven hormone pill days. We suggest that if there are any concerns about the risk of pregnancy, do a pregnancy test.

If you have persistent bleeding or spotting it is important to have a checkup with your doctor, Family Planning, Youth or Sexual Health Clinic for assessment.