QuestionAt my 6-week post-delivery check-up, my OB-GYN prescribed the birth control pill (tri-cyclen lo), at my request. I began taking the pill that day. On two occasions I had to take two pills in one day because I had forgotten the previous day. On day 13 I started bleeding and have been bleeding since (now day 22). The bleeding doesn't seem to be tapering off and I am curious as to why. Prior to the birth of my baby I was on the pill (a different brand) and did not experience any bleeding mid-cycle.
AnswerDear Lora,
Did you begin the BCP on the 1st day of your menstrual cycle? There are basically two ways of starting your BCPs - Sunday Start and First Day Start. With the 'Sunday Start' method, you start the first pill of your pack on the Sunday following the first day of your period. If your period begins Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday, start taking the pill that Sunday. If your period starts on a Sunday, begin taking your pill that very day.
With the 'First Day Start' method, you start your first pill during the first 24 hours of your period. Be aware that during this first pack of pills, you will have two periods: one during the first week of pills and one on the fourth week of pills. After this first pack, you will get a period only once a month, on the fourth week of the pack, during the placebo pills.
Regardless of which way you choose to start your pills, these two methods are the two ways which should least affect your menstrual cycles. If you were in the middle of a cycle when you began your BCPs, your body will likely get confused and begin bleeding in the middle of the pack of pills (as you have). However, after the first cycle or two of taking the pills exactly as prescribed, your body should get back into that cyclic rhythm again and this should not be as much of an issue.
I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.
Brenda
