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What does a breakthrough bleed look like?
Breakthrough bleeding refers to vaginal bleeding or spotting that occurs between menstrual periods or while pregnant. The blood is usually either light red or dark reddish brown, much like the blood at the beginning or end of a period. However, depending on the cause, it may resemble regular menstrual blood.
How do you know if you have breakthrough bleeding?
Along with breakthrough bleeding, you may experience:
- heavy bleeding during your menstrual period.
- periods lasting more than one week.
- pain or pressure in your pelvis.
- frequent urination.
- trouble emptying your bladder.
- constipation.
- backache or pain in your legs.
How many days does breakthrough bleeding usually last?
The length of breakthrough bleeding depends on the person. However, it should not last longer than seven days. If you are experiencing breakthrough bleeding while taking birth control continuously, it is best to go off of birth control for a week to let your uterus reset.
What would cause breakthrough bleeding?
Breakthrough bleeding happens more often in women who smoke cigarettes and in women who don’t take their birth control pills consistently. Some medications, like emergency contraception pills, also can cause irregular bleeding. Having certain infections, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, also can increase risk.
When should I be worried about breakthrough bleeding?
If breakthrough bleeding becomes heavy or lasts more than seven days in a row, contact your doctor. He or she will consider other possible causes of breakthrough bleeding, such as an infection. Depending on the circumstances, your doctor may recommend an alternative method of contraception.
What is breakthrough bleeding and why does it happen?
Breakthrough bleeding is any bleeding or spotting that may occur in the middle of 2 menstrual periods. This may normally occur to those who are taking birth control pills whose estrogen level is not high enough.
What exactly causes breakthrough bleeding?
Sometimes sexually transmitted infections (STIs) – like chlamydia and gonorrhea – can cause breakthrough bleeding. STIs are infections that are passed from one partner to another through unprotected sex. Breakthrough bleeding can also result from other inflammatory conditions, such as: Along with breakthrough bleeding, you may experience:
How to deal with breakthrough bleeding?
Here are some other important tips to prevent breakthrough bleeding: Take your pills every day. Journal bleeding. Talk to your doctor about a “pill-break.” If the breakthrough bleeding does not let up, your doctor may have you stop your pills for a few days to allow a normal period. Quit smoking.