Spotting after 4 days after protected sex

[Leau2]

My story starts when I was single and wanted a break off my pill. I took just over a week off the pill. After the week I decided to re start taking them as I met some one I liked. I was on the pill for 5 days when I had sex with person I liked. We used a condom as I knew the pill wouldn’t be 100 % ready. After I saw fluid inside the condom so I knew it was ok. However 4 days after I have been spotting only when I wipe but also a tiny bit of dark brown blood in my pad. I’m confused to weather this was because I stopped and started the pill again ? But keep freaking out that the condom didn’t work. I haven’t had a period in over a year so not sure what to think. I have had cramping in my stomach and some back ache.

[Mo]

While we can't know what caused this spotting for sure, stopping and starting your pill could be the reason for it. Interruptions or irregularities in how you take birth control pills can cause some spotting or irregular bleeding.
How are you feeling about the pill as a birth control method, overall?

[Leau2]

I was fine with it I thought about going back to natural periods again which is why I stopped ? But then unexpectedly met some one. Could it be break through bleeding ?

[Heather]

So, "breakthrough bleeding" is a term that just means any unexpected or unexplained bleeding while using oral contraceptives. For sure, that's what's happening here, because this is bleeding you aren't expecting. Clearly, this isn't an issue about pregnancy, because you used two methods -- albeit, it might be your pill wasn't as effective as it could be, but still -- and it also seems most likely this is happening because you stopped and restarted your pill or because you're simply having your period. That is what most often happens when people don't take the pill for a week.

[Leau2]

Thanks so much for your reply it lasted about 5 days and it’s the first time over a year so was caught off guard. I’m just thankful it wasn’t heavy and just very light.

[Leau2]

Sorry to bother you again this post was 9 weeks ago I took a test as I started spotting again on Friday but it was negative I’m now starting to think this could be something else my moods are so erratic could stress make you spot ?

[Alice M]

Hi there. Changes in stress and routine can affect breakthrough bleeding. Additionally, it can take a few cycles for your body to adjust when you begin or restart a hormonal method -- it doesn't mean your pill isn't working! I recommend giving it some time and reaching out to your doctor, when you can, to talk about if this method is right for you if you continue to feel anxious or upset about it.