breakthrough bleeding Q's

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-16-2003
breakthrough bleeding Q's
4
Fri, 05-21-2004 - 8:58pm
Doc prescribed me Amoxicillin for an infection, and warned me about using backup (Im on Alesse). I've had breakthrough bleeding for about 2 weeks now because of the antibiotics. When will it stop?

Question 2: If I have sex while having breakthrough bleeding, what are the chances of pregnancy? I assume because Im bleeding, Im not ovulating, but I wouldn't mind knowing for sure.

Thanks!

~*chrissy*~
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Sat, 05-22-2004 - 10:55pm
I don't know that you can assume that you aren't ovulating because you're bleeding--when you're having a period in an ovulatory cycle, that might work, or if you were just having breakthrough bleeding without antibiotics being involved, but this is a different case. You would/do need to use backup for the entire duration that you're taking the antibiotics plus another seven or more days after that, though some recommend using backup for a full cycle (it depends on who you talk to).

It's hard to say how long the btb might go on, everybody's response to antibiotics is different. It might continue until you start the next pack, or it might stop on its own after a bit. Some doctors will tell patients to take small doses of NSAID's (like ibuprofen) to try to reduce the bleeding, you might call yours and see if s/he has any recommendations for whether you should do anything or just wait it out.

Good luck! I hope you're feeling better...

Judie
Co-cl for Birth Control
Judie Cl for Birth Control 
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-16-2003
Tue, 05-25-2004 - 11:52pm
Still spotting from antibiotics. Period suppose to start a couple days ago, but all I have is the same very light spotting from the breakthrough bleeding. Is everything okay? Is my period suppose to be this light because of the antibiotics?
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Wed, 05-26-2004 - 8:44am
Hi Chrissy_82,

Just keep using back-up for the entire time you are on ABs and for at least 7 days after the last dose. As Judie said you may continue to have irregular bleeding up to your period which may be light, or not. I know it's annoying, but I think you're ok.

Hugs,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-07-2004
Wed, 05-26-2004 - 9:43am
Sometimes when I experience BTB, I have a lighter period when I actually start to bleed. I think your body might just be "confused". If I were you, I'd just continue your BCPs as usual, use condoms as backup, and rely on your body being back to normal the first full month after you are off the antibiotics. I know it's annoying, but isn't it better to be safe than sorry? :-)