Birth Control Pill Side Effects: Light Bleeding & Cramps - What to Expect?

Question
I thought my period had started. It was around that time of the month; my boyfriend and I had sex and used a condom; after sex I noticed a little blood.  This has happened before around that time of the month and it always meant that I started my period. The next day (Sunday) I started birth control. Since I took that first pill I have had next to no bleeding.  To best describe it, just a light brown tint mixed with a clear discharge when I wipe.  I'm having cramps but really not bleeding.  Is it okay to not use protection after the first seven days of my ortho-tricyclen-lo (sp?)? Should I take a pregnancy test now since I have not had a real period yet? I am always regular and am now 3 days late if you don't count the light bleeding...  And if all is okay and I am just being paranoid when will I have an actual period?

Answer
Since your periods are usually regular and you haven't had a real one, I would do a pregnancy test.  Assuming it's negative, I would continue with the pill.  Since you're starting at what may not be a period, you might consider using protection for the first 2 weeks, although I'm not sure that's necessary.  Since the reason you don't have a period may be that you hadn't ovulated yet this month, you may be more likely to have some breakthrough bleeding this month.  Everything should be normal by the time you start your second pack.  Best wishes.