period question

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-29-2004
period question
2
Thu, 11-11-2004 - 1:03pm
Alrighty, I posted a few weeks ago for the first time, and now I have another question along the same line. I will try to make this brief...ha ha.

About 6 Weeks ago, I took two birth control pills in one day because I couldn't remember if I took the first one and couldn't find it. This was the week before my placebo pills. I was on the placebo pills for 7 days, and started a new pack. During those 7 days, I had my period about 2 days later than normal, and when it came it was about 6 days long, with 3 of those more heavy than normal. When I started my new pack of pills, I was just ending my period and went to the "spotting" I normally have where I just have a little of brown clots here and there and just enough to use a pantyliner. Well, this proceeded on for that entire pack of pills - every day. 3 Weeks go by with spotting, and I start my placebo pills. The spotting got a little heavier and for just one day I had some heavy red blood, then back to spotting for one day. I started my new pack of pills (after 7 placebo) yesterday, and now I've stopped - finally!! I missed no pills in this process, and took them at the same time every day, so I should be ok. I checked with my doc on the spotting, and they said it was ok probably caused by the double dose of pills I took.

Ok, so now, all I'm worried about is, I have never just had one day of the bleeding, could I be pregnant? I can't imagine that I am, but I also usually have about 3 days of blood and some spotting, so I'm sorta concerned. Could it be that because I spotted all month my period would be lighter? I know I'm paranoid, but we are not ready for a baby yet. Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts on that..... I've been on these pills for about 9 months now, and before that was on birth control for about 4 years with no problems like this.

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-14-2004
Thu, 11-11-2004 - 1:51pm
I think that your shortened period is definitely a result of your continuous spotting for that cycle. Just think of it like this: normally, the lining of your uterus builds up all month and sheds at once, during an interval of around a week or so. Now, in this instance, you`ve spotted all month, losing a little bit of it every day. When it came time for Aunt Flow, there just wasn`t much left to shed.

As long as you`ve taken your pills correctly and consecutively, your chances of getting pregnant are very slim. And continued spotting and your shortened period aren`t usually signs of pregnancy :)

I`m sure everything will work out just fine and you`ll have your next period just as expected. Let us know how you`re doing! And if you have any more questions, feel free to ask.

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-29-2004
Thu, 11-11-2004 - 4:23pm
Just want to say thank you for your response. I know I'm overly paranoid, but right now my hubby is trying to finish college, we just got married, live in a small apartment, and are definitely not ready for babies! I know I worry way too much about things, so you've put my mind at ease. I won't worry anymore unless I don't start next month. Thanks so much again for your help! You re-affirmed my thoughts.