Spotting

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-29-2003
Spotting
5
Sat, 07-10-2004 - 2:57pm
I usually take the pill (Yasmin) back-to-back for about 3-4 packs and then will take a break and actually wait a week before starting a new pack. I have been on Yasmin for almost 2 years now, and have been doing this for about 18 months off an on. (I am also faithful about taking the pill between 10:30-11pm each night--right before I go to bed--haven't missed taking a pill for probably over a year).

I think that it was on Monday or Tuesday of this past week that I started to have a brown discharge--like old blood. Wearing a pantyliner was sufficient enough. When I wiped there was occasional of the brownish-stuff on the toilet paper. I really wasn't too worried about it. Today, when I wiped, it was the brownish stuff and some red blood. I decided to try a tampon, and when I took it out a little later, is had a lot of the brown mucous and some red blood on it. I was happy yesterday when there had been none for most of the day, but then last night I had a lot in the evening (still was only using a pantyliner).

The first (and only other time) that I have spotted between periods was when I first took this brand of pills back-to-back. But even then, it only lasted a couple of days and that was it.

I'm married, but because of my husband being out of town, our work schedules, and moving--all in the past month, I haven't had sex that often, with the last time being about 4-5 days before all of this started.

Any one have any ideas? If it continues through the weekend, should I call my doctor on Monday (I have an appointment for my yearly exam in about 4-5 weeks).


Edited 7/10/2004 3:00 pm ET ET by serendipity010403
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-03-2004
Sat, 07-10-2004 - 8:38pm
Hey serendipity,

If you look at my previous post about spotting between periods, you'll see that I'm having the same problem. Last night, it was red and enough to use a tampon (or so I thought). This morning when I removed the tampon, it was mostly dry. So, as I reported, I figured it was OK. Then, tonight the spotting returned and this time it was more as you described-brown and mucous-like but only enough to require a pantyliner.

Maybe it's the stress of moving that has thrown your body out of whack?

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-11-2004
Sun, 07-11-2004 - 2:05am
Hi all,

I'm having the same problem, but I am concerned. I have taken three packs of Ortho Tri Cyclin in a row, about halfway through the third pack, I had some spotting, similar to the brown mucous described above. But the next day it was worse, and stranger. I don't want to gross anyone out with the details, but it did not seem normal, the discharge was more solid, like cell tissue. I don't think I'm at risk of illness, but I was wondering if someone else had the same problem? It would put my mind at ease to know I'm not alone. Also, it was smack in the middle of a pack, not at the end, which I thought was strange.

Thanks

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Sun, 07-11-2004 - 7:40am
Hi ygrain. Welcome!

I think when taking multiple packs of active pills back-to-back the user can eventually get to a point where the progestin in her pill can no longer stabilize the amount of endometrium that has built up and she will start spotting and her period will begin. The good news is that you were able to skip a period at all. Many women can’t skip on a triphasic pill such as OTC due the difference in the dosage of hormones between week 3 and week 1. Often the drop in progestin between those weeks will be seen by the body as a signal to begin shedding the uterine lining. What you are probably seeing, since your endometrium was so thick, is small portions of the endometrium that have been shed by themselves rather than being dissolved in your normal flow. You might want to talk to your doc about it but I think you’re ok.

Good luck,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-12-2004
Sun, 09-12-2004 - 6:06am
I too have spotting. I have 3 active pills left before my period, is that normal? I didn't have it last month, but I have only been ON the pill for two months.
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Sun, 09-12-2004 - 6:32am
Irregular bleeding is a common side effect of starting or switching oral contraceptives. Typically bleeding issues associated with beginning or switching disappear within 3-4 cycles but occasionally they don't. If they don’t disappear then a pill change may be in order. Read the FAQs: "Common pill side effects" and "Irregular bleeding anyone?" for more on bleeding issues.

Take care,

      Jill