I'm experiencing breakthrough bleeding..

[missedstoplight.livejournal.com]

I looked in the memories but I couldn't find anything that was exactly like my case, so I figured I'd post some questions just to get some reassurance.

I had to stop taking my pill (OTC-lo) for two months because I couldn't get an appointment with a doctor here at school to get my pap and another yearly script. At Christmas, I came home, did all of that jazz, and got another 12 months. So, I started basically when I first got them? I know the pack says after period start, but I read somewhere you could start whenever you wanted, so that's what I did, because I wanted to be protected within seven days when I would see my boyfriend at school again. (Looking back this may have been silly..)

My first cycle went okay, without a hitch, now, I'm on the 2nd week of active pills, expecting my period to start around the 18th, but I'm experiencing spotting now. Well, at first it was spotting, and now it seems like it's a period, with cramps included.

Now, my questions are: is this a period, or heavy spotting because my body isn't used of the pill? This is about the time I'd have my period naturally.

Secondly, should I keep taking the pills, or should I give myself a placebo week? Should I just start a new pack now? My birthday's on the 11th, so I'd like to not have a period, but.. I'll do what I have to.

Thanks!

Comments

[queensugar.livejournal.com]

Now, my questions are: is this a period, or heavy spotting because my body isn't used of the pill?

It's breakthrough bleeding, which is what we call any bleeding during active pills. Whether or not it originated from a natural menstrual period (i.e you ovulated just before starting the pills) is impossible to know for sure, and at any rate not especially important.

As far as what to do now: you do not want to stop taking your pills if you need pregnancy protection. You are not protected during your placebo week unless you have taken at least 21 active pills in a row.

Starting a new pack now would not make anything better -- if anything, it might make it even more difficult to get your bleeding to synch up to the pill's cycle, since that will be extending your active pills and skipping a placebo week.

My best advice would be to continue on as normal -- taking a pill a day, every day, then a seven-day placebo week, and then starting a new pack. Your bleeding should synch up within three packs.

Good luck!

[missedstoplight.livejournal.com]

Thank you very much!