When Your Period Extends After Starting Birth Control: What to Know

Question
The first day of my last period was Saturday December 3rd, and I started on BC that next day.  My usual length of time for my menses, before starting birth control, was a max of five days and I was told that BC will shorten the duration of my period as well as the intensity.  It's the seventh day and I'm still actively bleeding.  Is something wrong, should I discontinue use of the pill, why am I still on my menses?  I am going on a trip tomorrow and I don't want to still be on my period?  What should I do to stop my period, so I can enjoy my vacation?

Answer
This is unfortunatly a very common side-effect of hormonal birth control. You are still bleeding probably because the estrogen level in the pills is lower than what your own body would produce at this time in your cycle. There is not much you can do to stop the bleeding tomorrow (it may stop even if you do nothing). However, if the bleeding persists you could see your doctor and s/he can prescribe a brand containing a higher hormone level than your current brand, which will stop the bleeding.

Good luck!