QuestionI have been taking Ortho-tri-cyclene Lo for about 9 months now and have had no problems until this month. I was very stressed and busy with finals and was inconcsistent about taking my pills. I missed one, then took two the next day but later than normal, and then took the one the next day later than normal too. (I usually take them at noon, but I forgot till that evening.) All of this was in week 2.
As I started into week three, I began my period. I kept taking the pills through the full 3rd week, and had a complete (though lighter) period even while taking them. I am a Sunday starter, so this Sunday instead of taking the placebo pills I started a new pack. I am worried because I still have some light bleeding, even though I'm three days into the new pack (and it's been over a week, when my period usually lasts about 5 days). Should I be concerned? I'm also scared I am not protected, and I have had intercourse within the past week. Could I be pregnant? Am I still protected? For how long? Sorry for all the questions, I'm just worried and a little confused.
Thanks,
Chrissy
AnswerHi Chrissy,
You made up the missed pill like you were supposed to. And only missing one pill will not increase your risk of pregnancy, so thats fine.
And its okay to take a pill late once in a while. As long as they are taken within a few hours (less than 12 hours late), then its ok, so no worries there.
It sounds like you had a period, so your risk from pregnancy last pack is pretty much none.
I think you did the right thing by starting the next pack on Sunday, and not waiting, so your pregnancy risk for this month is very small, no more than it is by taking the pill. (Less than 1% of women will become pregnant on the pill), so your protected.
Now, for the bleeding. If it doesn't stop in the next few days, I think you should follow up with your Dr., just to make sure everything is okay. Even though you have been on the pill 9 months, your body is still adjusting, and women can notice period changes the entire time they are on the pill. Mine is still changing, and I have been on the same pill for 2 years now.
As for your next period, don't be suprised if it comes a little early, or light, or is heavy or light. The change you noticed this time, and having to adjust your pills due to that, may cause it to change next pack too. It's normal, and within a month or two, you can expect your body to adjust.
I hope that helps you!
Good Luck to you, and Thanks!
Drea Jean
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