QuestionI have been on Ortho-Tricyclen for several years, this past month I tripled up on my pills in the first week of my Sunday start pack. I missed two days then took 3 on the day I realized. I may have also doubled up on another day during that week. The following week which was my second week of pills, I got my period. I had it for almost 10 days, I usually only bleed for 4-5 days normally.I kept taking my pills regularly. My doctor said I would probably get my period again, when I was on my green pills, but I didn't. I took a pregnancy test and it's negative. My question is am I at risk for pregnancy right now? I am about to start my new pack tomorrow(Sunday). I need to know if I should be using other protection? And if I would have been at risk for pregnancy these past couple weeks?
AnswerDear Michele,
The point at which you would have been at risk for pregnancy would have been during the weeks when you missed a day and had to double up on pills. FYI - you probably bled during the middle of your cycle because of this. You should not triple up on pills. If you miss that many in a row, double up two days in a row and use a back-up method for a full week (personally, I'd back-up for the entire cycle). The bleeding was likely a result of the alteration in hormones your body was getting.
The last two weeks of the past cycle may have been at a higher risk for conception, but the next cycle would not be - as long as you take your pills as directed every day. If you begin to suspect pregnancy during the next few weeks, you should test again, just to make sure you did not conceive during those last two weeks of the last cycle. The chances are not high, since you were on the BCP, but since you had some skipped days, there was a slight crack in the door, so to speak.
I hope this has helped you and answered your questions. I wish you well.
Brenda
