Re: Breakthrough bleeding: Is my birth control pill still working after 9 years?
From: Alicia M. Lapidus M.D. (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Thu, 24 Apr 2003 21:21:32 -0500 (CDT)
It is still working, perhaps resting 1 cycle.
At Thu, 24 Apr 2003, Danielle wrote:
>
>I am a healthy 26 yr old sexually active, married female who has been
>taking Arava for more than 9 years. Over the past year I have had
>breakthrough bleeding, lasting 2-3 days, and dark-brown in color. I had
>attributed it to skipping my period (starting a new pack during the
>sugar pill week) and all was well. However, two days ago I started
>breakthrough bleeding again. The last day of my last period was a week
>before, so obviously this time I didn't skip my period. Also this time
>the bleeding is still dark brown, but it is heavier than it has ever
>been before, heavy enough for me to have to wear tampons. I looked for
>some help on your post and saw that some doctors said this is common in
>women who have been taking the pill for a long time, and that you may
>have to switch pills because your body becomes used to it. I am not due
>for my Pap smear until July so my main concern is "is my pill working?
>(ie protecting me against pregancy?) Should I see my gyn sooner? How
>long should this bleeding last before I should get concerned? Thanks!
--
Alicia M. Lapidus M.D.
Director Obgyn.net Latina
Chief of Staff Obstetrics, Hospital J. A. Fernández
Buenos Aires
Argentina
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