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What Causes Vaginal Spotting While On Birth Control Pills?

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Posted on Thu, 28 Jul 2016
Question: My last period was around Memorial Day, but I also had some weird spotting about a week after that (week of XXXXXXX 5th). The spotting was darker, and not as heavy (not enough to use a tampon) than my typical periods, but it lasted for most of the week. I started birth control pills about a month before that (in April). I assumed the spotting was because of the pills, since that's listed as a common side affect. The guy I've been seeing had a vasectomy a few years ago and he's the only person I've been sexually active with recently, so I didn't really see a need for the pills and stopped them. It's been about 6 weeks since my last period & about 4 since the spotting. I took a couple early pregnancy tests that were negative. I know the odds of getting pregnant after a vasectomy are really low, and we usually use condoms also. It shouldn't be possible, but could I still be pregnant? Or am I just off schedule from the pills?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Richa Agarwal (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Most likely due to side effects of pills.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,

Thanks for trusting hcm about your health care.
I have gone through your history and understand your concerns.
The spotting in your case is most likely due to pills side effects and maybe resolved in few days.

The chances of pregnancy are not there in your case and spotting is not due to pregnancy.

It could be due to infection also.

Hope found useful, feel free to ask more information.
Good luck.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Richa Agarwal (18 hours later)
The spotting lasted about a week. That was about a month ago. It's been about 6 weeks since my last real period. When should I expect it to start back on a normal schedule?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Richa Agarwal (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Within 1-2 months.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,

Your period is most likely delayed due to hormonal imbalance.

You will resume your menses with in one month but in hormonal imbalance periods are very unpredictable.

You can get your pelvic ultrasound to see the endometrium thickness.

Hope found useful.
Good luck.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Priyanka G Raj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Richa Agarwal

OB & GYN Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 4031 Questions

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What Causes Vaginal Spotting While On Birth Control Pills?

Brief Answer: Most likely due to side effects of pills. Detailed Answer: Hello dear, Thanks for trusting hcm about your health care. I have gone through your history and understand your concerns. The spotting in your case is most likely due to pills side effects and maybe resolved in few days. The chances of pregnancy are not there in your case and spotting is not due to pregnancy. It could be due to infection also. Hope found useful, feel free to ask more information. Good luck. Regards