QuestionHi, I am currently taking a triphasic birth control pill, and have been for years.
For the last two months I decided to skip my period, and instead of taking the
sugar pill week after the first pack, I started my second pack backwards. I
know that doing it this way creates the possibility of breakthrough bleeding
due to the drop in hormone levels, and this morning I noticed some strange
bloody discharge, unlike my normal period, which I assumed was spotting. I
still have one pill left in the lowest dose week in the second pack, and
normally I would get my period the Wednesday after the last pill in the pack.
Originally, I was curious about whether I should start a new pack tomorrow
or take the last pill tonight even though I am bleeding, and wait an entire
week before starting a new pack. However, doing some reading online I
came across the idea of implantation bleeding, which is frightening because
the bleeding is unusual for me, and I have also had considerable breast
tenderness (not to mention an uncontrollable craving for chocolate) in the
past week or two. I wouldn't have thought anything of this, but now I am
scared, although I am 95% sure it's simply due to the way I took the pill. So I
am wondering 1) If there is any risk for pregnancy if I took all pills on time, 2)
Would it be too early for an accurate pregnancy test result, and 3) If I am
probably not pregnant, should I wait until next Sunday to start my next pack,
even though I have already begun bleeding, or should I try to stop the
bleeding with the new pack? I have asked my doctor for a prescription for
Seasonale, which I will fill, but I wanted to use up my current supply of Tri-
Sprintec first. I hope I've made sense, and any advice you can give me would
be appreciated. Thanks!
AnswerI am also 95% sure that the bleeding is from the way you took the pill. Implantation bleeding occurs but is unusual. Also, you didn't miss any pills, which is the reason most women get pregnant on pills. The way to stop the bleeding you're having or even on Seasonale is to stop the pills for a week and then re-start. That gives that period that is trying to start a chance to come. If the bleeding is light enough you could also finish your pack and then let the period come. If you think you might be pregnant, a pregnancy test will usually be positive 2 weeks after you conceive, so you might figure out when it could have happened and get a test 2 weeks later. I hope that's helpful.
