Is it safe to lose blood by spotting a lot?
I'm spotting a lot—should I be concerned?
Spotting refers to a small amount vaginal bleeding that is unpredictable or irregular and not related to your period. Spotting can be a normal side effect of some birth control methods, especially progestin-only ones like the shot, implant, mini-pill, and hormonal IUDs as well as with low-dose combination birth control pills. When birth control causes spotting, it isn’t dangerous and generally doesn’t make you lose that much blood, even though it might seem like it.
Still not working?
You may have more luck on a combination pill with a slightly higher dose of estrogen or try the ring or patch.
Vaginal health and periods are part of your everyday life—not something to be stigmatized or whispered about. Bedsider’s OB-GYNs and reproductive health specialists create and review reliable, evidence-based content that’s body-positive, fact-checked, and judgment-free.
Related methods
Dive in and learn all the details about these related birth control methods.
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