Bleeding After Stopping Birth Control: Understanding Post-Pill Bleeding & Pregnancy Risk

Question
I quit my bc pack in the middle of the second week because I was bleeding and have continued to bleed thereafter. I have had unprotected sex and am worried about pregnancy. But how am I suppossed to know if I have had my "real" period if I have continued to bleed non-stop throughout taking the pills and not takin them?...I heard bleeding after stopping pills is like a withdrawl symptom..so can I get pregnant even though I'm bleeding?...Thanks

Answer
Hi Melissa,

The bleeding you experienced when taking the pill was a breakthrough bleeding due to a low hormone dosage in your type of birth control pill. I suppose the bleeding was quite light? The bleeding you experienced when stopping was as you mentoned a withdrawal bleeding caused by the sudden hormone drop when you stopped taking the pill.

As for getting pregnant while you are bleeding, this is highly unlikely as a possible fertilized egg would not be able to burrow in the uterine lining since this is very thin or non-existent due to the bleeding. I don't think you have to worry about that, but to be absolutely sure I suggest you take a pregnancy test two to three weeks after having unprotected sex the last time. Then you will know for sure.

Good luck :-)

Marina