This brief focuses on the following statements:

• Monthly bleeding changes with hormonal contraceptive methods and IUDs are a normal and rarely harmful side effect, but they are a common reason that women discontinue use.
• Family planning providers can help women anticipate and deal with bleeding changes through counseling and encouragement.
• When women know about bleeding changes in advance, they can choose a suitable method, be more satisfied with their choice, and continue to prevent unintended pregnancy effectively.