BC Pill Questions
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| Fri, 07-23-2004 - 9:25am |
About 5 months ago, my gyno swtiched the brand of bc pill that I was taking because I was having break through bleeding during mid-month. Since switching, I have had break through bleeding about every other month (always very light and only for about 3 days). Then I have my regular period when I am supposed to. I take my pills EVERY day at about the same time everyday without fail (I am recently divorced and have a new bf, it is just not the opportune time to have another baby).
My questions are this:
because of the break through bleeding does that mean the pills are not as effective and there is a possiblity that I may get pregnant?
Also, I know that the chance of getting pregnant is higher during the week of your period. Even though I am on the pill should I refrain from having sex that week or am I still protected with a slight elevation of risk?

“because of the break through bleeding does that mean the pills are not as effective and there is a possiblity that I may get pregnant?”
Ovulation suppression and endometrium control are two separate functions of hormonal contraceptives. So, if you have irregular bleeding that shouldn’t reduce the effectiveness of your pills to protect against pregnancy.
“Also, I know that the chance of getting pregnant is higher during the week of your period. Even though I am on the pill should I refrain from having sex that week or am I still protected with a slight elevation of risk?”
That’s not correct, if you have been taking your pills as you should! For tips on things to watch out for and how to get the most from your pills read “Taking your pills correctly” in the FAQ folder at the top of the board. Oral contraceptives are tested for protection against pregnancy throughout the entire hormonally modified menstrual cycle and if used correctly they are 98-99% effective. I know of nothing that suggests a woman is at greater risk of pregnancy during her hormone free week. It is true that you risk loosing your protection if you go longer than 7 24-hour days without taking active pills, but that is ‘user failure’ for not taking the pills correctly. If you are taking your pills correctly you should be quite safe having IC during your hormone free week.
Good luck,
Jill
That was my understanding of the pill that was explained to me by my doctor eons ago. But I had thought that maybe I was just all confused. I take my pills exactly how i am supposed to (one a day, every morning, no skipping days).
That makes me breathe a sigh of relief that I wasn't totally confused and had been risking getting pregnant all these years!! lol
Thanks so much again!!!