It may be helpful if we explore some of the causes for this intermittent bleeding - sometimes termed as "breakthrough bleeding".
If the pill is not taken on a daily/regular basis, the temporary drop in the level of hormones can lead to intermittent bleeding. If you are on any long term medication (eg some antibiotics or anti-epilepsy medication) that increases hormonal metabolism/ breakdown, this can lead to a lowered level of the contraceptive hormone and this can also lead to bleeding.
Sometimes, if the pill is of an ultralow dose of hormone, or the progestogen component (birth control pills consist of both estrogen and progestogen components) is "mild", some women do have breakthrough bleeding even when they are taking the pill regularly. In this instance, a switch of contraceptive pills may help.
However, do remember to go for your regular Pap smear screening. If the bleeding is persistent even after a switch of pills or even when you stop the pill, then it is probably advisable to see a doctor to check for other abnormalities such as endometrial polyps or cervical problems.
