EVERY DAY IS DIFFERENT. YOUR PERIOD PRODUCT SHOULD BE TOO. GET $2 OFF.
Click on the cross to close the popups
Question:

What exactly is breakthrough bleeding and how is it different from my period?

molly
EXPERT ANSWER
Molly O’Shea
Breakthrough bleeding is bleeding (either reddish or brown in color) coming from your vagina between periods. Not all bleeding is breakthrough bleeding. You could have bleeding because you landed smack on your vaginal area with the cross pole of a bike. But, most of the time, the little spotting between periods is caused by breakthrough bleeding. You're just hanging around and feeling fine and then you go to the bathroom and find that you have a small amount of reddish or brownish discharge in your underwear. CRAP! If you have pretty predictable cycles and it isn't your normal time, spotting like this can happen once in a while around the time you ovulate (about 2 weeks before your next period is due). For girls like me, with no predictability to their periods, wearing a thin pad for a few days if the spotting continues is a good idea so that you don't have to get stains out of your underwear in case it really is your period. Keep in mind that you should talk to a healthcare professional if you're experiencing anything out of the ordinary for you.
Maggie Vink
MOM ANSWER
Maggie Vink
Breakthrough bleeding is bleeding in between periods. As if once a month weren't enough, right? Often, breakthrough bleeding is noticeably lighter than your period ... it may be nothing more than a little bit of spotting. I know I've spotted a bit between periods before and a thin panty liner was all I needed to manage it. In my case, the spotting was due to birth control pills; I talked to my doctor about it and we tried a different pill. Keep in mind that birth control pills aren't the only reason for breakthrough bleeding. If you're concerned, talk to your healthcare professional. Also, be sure to read Health Expert Dr. Molly's response for a medical perspective on this.
amy
PEER ANSWER
Amy Vaughan

Breakthrough bleeding is any bleeding aside from your actual period. One of the few times I’ve ever had breakthrough bleeding was while taking birth control pills. But I have also heard that stress can cause it as well. If you are experiencing heavy bleeding more than normal between periods or for more than 7 days on your period, you really ought to see your healthcare professional.

Related Articles

Default Image
Default Image

This is not intended to be medical advice. Everybody is different so please make sure to consult your physician if you're having issues. Do not delay or refrain from seeking professional medical advice from your physician because of something you have read on this site.

Which Product is Right for Me?

No matter what time of the month it is, U by Kotex® has something that's right for you.

Allnighter® Ultra-Thin Pads with Wings, Extra Heavy Overnight

U by Kotex® Allnighter® Ultra Thin Extra Heavy Overnight Pads with Wings provide up to 100% leak free...

Learn More

Security® Ultra-Thin Pads with Wings, Overnight

For all night protection in any sleep position, try U by Kotex® Security® Ultra Thin Overnight Pads with a 60% larger back*.

Learn More

Teen® Ultra-Thin Pads with Wings, Overnight Protection

Get up to 100% leak free protection with U by Kotex® Ultra Thin Teen Overnight Pads with Wings.

Learn More
51485-00_UbK_Teen_UTwWings_ExtraAbs_28ct_MOI

Teen® Pads - Extra Absorbency

Get up to 100% leak free protection with U by Kotex® Extra Absorbency Ultra Thin Teen Pads with Wings, the ONLY pad uniquely sized for teens*.

Learn More
28741-02UBK_CW_HF_PADS_16CT_1

Cleanwear® Ultra Thin Pads - Heavy Flow With Wings

Get the ultra thin pad that keeps up with you and your day. U by Kotex® CleanWear® Ultra Thin Pads....

Learn More
51584-00_UBK_CLK_SUPER_32ct_1

Click® Tampons Super - Compact Applicator

Try the #1 compact Tampon and get up to 100% leak free XPRESS-DRI® protection.

Learn More
47745-00UBK_SEC_UT_HF_56ct_4

Security® Ultra Thin Pads - Long with Wings

Get up to 10 hours of XPRESS-DRI® protection and no harsh ingredients with U by Kotex® Security® Ultra Thin pads.

Learn More