Important to note: The first bleed you get after quitting hormonal birth control is a withdrawal bleed and must be logged in the app as such. Any bleeds that follow can then be logged as a period. We write more about withdrawal bleeding in this article: Why can't I log my period?
When do I add a period?
You should log Period for each day you’re bleeding (around the time you usually get your period). Any light bleeding you experience at the beginning of your period should be logged as Period. Similarly, you should continue logging Period if you have light bleeding at the end of your period until the bleeding stops. Read more about periods in this article: What is a period?
When do I add spotting?
Bleeding at other times in your cycle is considered spotting. This is usually very light bleeding, typically brown or pink in color, or just a few drops of blood. You may see it when using the bathroom or on toilet paper after wiping, and you may feel more comfortable using a panty liner for it. Spotting sometimes occurs around ovulation, as some blood and other fluids may be released from the follicle along with the egg. Spotting is a data point that the algorithm doesn't use when calculating your fertility status.
Spotting may also occur during pregnancy and can be logged as Spotting during that time as well. Please note that if you are experiencing any bleeding during your pregnancy, it’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare professional.
What if I’m not sure if I’m on my period or spotting?
Sometimes, it can be hard to know if the bleeding you experience is a period, spotting, or even withdrawal bleeding. This can be particularly confusing if you just quit hormonal birth control or if you’ve recently had surgery. Read more about this in this article: How to use the app after a surgery.
If you’re unsure of what type of bleeding you’re experiencing, we recommend reaching out to a healthcare professional so they can give you personalized advice based on your medical history.
If you're interested in reading more about this topic, please visit our Cycle Matters article on spotting.