Spotting on birth control is normal and is also known as breakthrough bleeding. It is commonly linked to hormonal birth control methods, including the pill, patch, vaginal ring, birth control implant, and Mirena IUD.
Spotting with birth control pills tends to be more common when the pill is taken continuously without breaks or when using birth control with a lower dose of estrogen. It also often happens during the first few months of use. Over time, this symptom usually improves and may go away completely.
It is important to know that spotting on birth control does not mean the method has failed. Even if this type of bleeding happens, the contraceptive method should still be used as directed.
In most cases, the spotting goes away on its own and does not require other medications or a change in birth control method.