Question I was married in June 2006. My new husband and I decide we wanted children seeing that I'm 30 years old. I came off the birth control patch in February 2006 excited to get pregnant on our honeymoon. Now I feel that there is something wrong because I have problems wtih spotting all the time. While I was on the patch I was spotting and the doctor prescribed premeran on top of the birth control patch I didn't hesitate because she is the doctor. But now I feel there might be something wrong and thinking this is maybe why we are not getting pregnant. My question is why am I spotting still? and is there a solution?
AnswerDear Ana,
I hear the frustration you are experiencing. Please understand, though - the time it takes to conceive varies from woman to woman. Some conceive after only 2-3 months, while others can try for a year or more before successfully conceiving. The average time also varies, according to source. One source will say 5-6 months, while another will say 8-10 months as an average length of time trying to conceive. So...please don't think you are unusual or in some way not normal.
The Premarin that your doctor gave you was an estrogen medication. The goal was to attempt to reduce spotting between cycles, which is often due to hormonal fluctuations (typically estrogen). Taking this medication while you were on the contraceptive patch would not be affecting your fertility at this point.
The most common reason for spotting between periods is hormonal fluctuations. Other causes for this include: low thyroid levels, stress, chronic vaginal infection, and the very first couple of months beginning or ending contraceptive or estrogen therapy.
One thing I would suggest is contacting your doctor about this issue. Let him/her know about the continued spotting since discontinuing contraceptive use and your attempts at conception since February. Have you ever had your thyroid level checked? That may be another possible alternative to look into.
I hope this information has helped you and answered your questions. I wish you improved luck in your endeavors and I'll have a good thought for you. Have a happy Christmas season.
Brenda
