How can you tell the difference between Decidual Bleeding and Menstrual Bleeding?

How can you tell the difference between spotting and implanation bleeding?

• How can you tell if spotting is just spotting from the pill or implantation bleeding? I'm on Ortho Micronor (no period days). I am not the best at always remembering to take my pills. I've had rusty brown spotting for the past two days that started Monday night. Never enough to really get on my panties but visible every time I wipe on the toilet paper. Sometimes with small blood clots. Seems like it's probably dried up blood plus normal vaginal discharge.

• Answer:

  Implantation bleeding really only occurs in a small percentage of expectant mothers. The implantation bleeding, generally, occurs a few days before the expected period, & is bright red. Fresh blood basically. Spotting on any form of birth control is common. And, it can still occur after being on it without a period for a very long time (year or more). Breakthrough bleeding is actually more common than implantation bleeding. There's not much difference between the two actually. Your best bet is to wait a few days to a week after you noticed the bleeding, and do a pregnancy test.