What Causes Pink Vaginal Spotting While On Birth Control Pills?

Posted on Mon, 23 Jan 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 23 Jan 2017 Answered on

Wed, 15 Feb 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : i take birth control pills. i did skip placebo weeks back in XXXXXXX july august sept and november. so in other words i took birth control non stop. then in december during the placebo week i got very light spotting instead of a full period. then in january no period at all during placebo week. but then during the first week of new pack, i had light pinkish spotting one day then another day was brownish mucus like discharge when i wiped and then today which is during the 2nd week of new pack there was mucus like discharge but it was reddish (like the color of blood) i did take 3 pregnancy tests and all were negative so i assume im not pregnant so what else can be wrong.

Answered by Dr. Vjollce Mbiarra (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Spotting may be a side effect of birth control pill

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear and thanks for your query to HCM.

I have read carefully your question and understand your health concern.

Spotting during inter-menstrual period can be a side effect of birth control pill,because you have changed the way you have used them,from taking them without interruption to one week interruption .
Hence you have changed the dosage of hormones you have took during one month.

But you should check a health care provider to exclude any other serious reasons od vaginal spotting ,such as :
infection(usually STI)
endometriosis
PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) ect

Hope I was helpful .

Best regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T