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InstaCare Online

Genital or Urinary Symptoms
Vaginal Bleeding, Mild

Care at Home

Genital or Urinary Symptoms

Pregnancy Test When In Doubt!
- If there is any doubt about the possibility of pregnancy, then obtain and use a urine pregnancy test from the store.
Spotting Between Periods and Birth Control Pills: Breakthrough bleeding or spotting is common with most current birth control pills, especially during the first 3 pill pack cycles.
Spotting Between Periods and You Forgot to take a Birth Control Pill:
- Missing a pill may cause breakthrough bleeding or spotting.
- If you forget just 1 pill, take 2 the second day and continue to take your birth control pills.
- If you ever forget to take more than 1 pill during a month, then you should use a "back-up" contraceptive method (e.g. condom) until you start the next pill pack.
- Even though you will finish your pack one day sooner, you will probably want to start your next pill pack on your usual day. (Many women start their pill packs on a Sunday.)
Spotting after a Procedure or Pelvic Exam: The cervix bleeds easily and even an internal exam, Pap smear, or biopsy of the cervix can cause some spotting. This spotting should subside within 24-72 hours.
Irregular bleeding and You are Using Norplant or Depoprovera: Irregular bleeding is a common side effect. It may include heavier, lighter, more frequent or less frequent bleeding than your normal periods.
Irregular bleeding and You are Using the Birth Control Patch: Breakthrough bleeding or spotting is common with current birth control patches, expecially during th efirst 3 cycles (months).
Iron and Anemia: Heavy periods are the most common cause of iron deficiency anemia in women of childbearing age. Women with heavy periods should eat a diet rich in iron or take a daily multivitamin pill with iron.
IF your symptoms become worse: Review Should I Call? recommendations.