Is vaginal bleeding a side effect of birth control?
On One Hand: Spotting is a Side Effect of Oral ContraceptivesLight bleeding, referred to as spotting or breakthrough bleeding, is a common side effect of oral contraceptives (birth control pills). This occurs more frequently in women who have recently begun taking birth control and women who take very low-dose birth control pills.On the Other: Spotting Might also Signify an STDSpotting can also be a sign of chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease. Women who are at risk of sexually transmitted diseases should get tested if they begin spotting.Bottom LineSpotting is normal, although if it persists you might wish to switch to a different oral contraceptive. Since spotting sometimes signals that contraceptives are not working as well, you should use an alternative method of contraception during spotting.
