what is withdrawal bleeding

Withdrawal bleeding is a type of bleeding that occurs when a person uses a form of hormonal birth control that incorporates scheduled breaks, during which no medication is administered. It is caused by a drop in hormone levels in the body, which triggers the release of some blood and mucus from the lining of the uterus out through the vagina. Withdrawal bleeding is different from a period because hormonal birth control stops the lining of the uterus from building up significantly during the menstrual cycle. It is typically lighter and shorter than a period, and it is an expected effect of some forms of hormonal birth control. Many women prefer to experience withdrawal bleeding because they find it reassuring that the method is working and that they aren’t pregnant. However, it’s worth noting that monthly withdrawal bleeding is not medically necessary, and some types of birth control pill offer less frequent episodes of bleeding, such as once every 3 months. If a person does not have withdrawal bleeding when expected, it could indicate pregnancy due to a failure of the contraceptive.