WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for December, 2001: Re: [Birth Control] Missed dosage of Birth control pills and spotting

Re: [Birth Control] Missed dosage of Birth control pills and spotting

From: Patti Tessler, Family Nurse Practitioner (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Sun, 30 Dec 2001 22:18:39 -0600 (CST)

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In reply to: Bonnie: "[Birth Control] Missed dosage of Birth control pills and spotting"

At Tue, 18 Dec 2001, Bonnie wrote: >
>I wanna know is it possible to have a period twice in one month. I on
>on birth control (Ortho Trycyclen). I had missed a few pills like 4
>pills straight, once I remembered to take them I took all 4 at once. I
>then later started spotting, which I contributed to the fact that I kept
>forgetting to take the pill. I then forget to take 3 pills and when I
>remember I did immediately. I later in that same week starting to bleed
>which I thought was my period which lasted like 2 -3 days. I had gotten
>myself back on track with the pills and was taking them properly. Now
>in the same month 2 weeks later, I am spotting again and cramping, So my
>question is, did I get my period the first time when I was bleeding or
>is this my period that is coming now. I am very confused with what is
>going on with my body. Please help.

Missing three and four pills at at time is extreme. Taking more than two at once to catch up is not going to help prevent spotting due to missed pills, or to help prevent pregnancy. If you miss more than two pills in a row, you should call the person who prescribed the pills for advice. They may advise you to stop that cycle altogether, then start with a fresh pack. Please see your package insert for full information on this topic.

In the situation you describe, it doesn't make sense to try to call one episode of bleeding or another a "period." A "period" is what happens when your body ovulates, then sheds the uterine lining. You don't ovulate on the pill. Instead, you have withdrawal bleeding -- when you're without the hormones for a while, you start bleeding. If you have a pill-free period two or three times per month, you'll probably have withdrawal bleeding that often, too. You also run a risk of pregnancy.

I would normally advise a person who misses so many pills to consider alternate methods of pregnancy prevention. Please discuss other options with your health care provider.

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

Next message: Kathleen: "[Birth Control] Doctors prescribing Yasmin?"
Previous message: TJ: "Re: [Birth Control] hair growth and bcp"
In reply to: Bonnie: "[Birth Control] Missed dosage of Birth control pills and spotting"

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