WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for October, 2001: Re: [Birth Control] Breakthrough Bleeding in 3rd Month of Alesse

Re: [Birth Control] Breakthrough Bleeding in 3rd Month of Alesse

From: Patti Tessler, Family Nurse Practitioner (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Wed, 24 Oct 2001 13:01:08 -0500 (CDT)

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In reply to: Anonymous: "[Birth Control] Breakthrough Bleeding in 3rd Month of Alesse"

At Mon, 22 Oct 2001, Anonymous wrote: >
<snip>To complicate the situation, near the end of my second month on Alesse, >my dermatologist prescribed tetracycline to clear up some cystic acne.
>After about two weeks on tetracycline, I began to experience vaginal
>irritation such as soreness and itching. I stopped taking the
>tetracycline and about a week later, I began spotting for the very first
>time.
>
>The first two months on Alesse, I had no spotting or breakthrough
>bleeding whatsoever. It was only a week ago, with about 12 active pills
>left in my third pack, that I experienced spotting. Now, with 5 active
>pills left in my third pack, the bleeding is quite heavy and
>necessitates a tampon.
>
>I know that tetracycline reduces the effectiveness of oral
>contraceptives. However, is it possible that stopping the tetracycline
>actually caused the breakthrough bleeding? If not, then is it common for
>people starting on the pill to experience breakthrough bleeding in the
>third month rather than the first or second?

The effect of antibiotics on oral contraceptives is debatable, although for the sake of safety many clinicians still advise their clients to use a backup method when using antibiotics.

I would be more likely to attribute your breakthrough bleeding to being in the first three months of pill use than to blame the tetracycline. I think that time may make the point moot.

I suggest you call your dermatologist to talk about the fact that you decided tetracycline wasn't for you, and to discuss other treatment options, in conjunction with your gynecologist. Good luck!

--
Patti Tessler, BSN, MSN, RN, CS
Family Nurse Practitioner

Next message: Patti Tessler, Family Nurse Practitioner: "Re: [Birth Control] Breakthrough bleeding on Alesse after Two Years."
Previous message: SarahB: "Re: mittelschmerz causing pelvic adhesions? - to Cathy"
In reply to: Anonymous: "[Birth Control] Breakthrough Bleeding in 3rd Month of Alesse"

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