Expert: Diane Cheryl - 5/16/2008

Question
I have been on Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo for about 6 months now. I normally get my period between Tuesday and Thursday of the "off week". However, I am now experiencing spotting, about 8-10 days before I am expecting my next period. I take my pills very regularly, so I am wondering why this is happening and if I could somehow be pregnant. The last time I had sex was on Saturday, and on Sunday night I was sick and threw up. It was at least two hours after I took my pill, but when the spotting began on Monday, I took an extra pill just to be sure. This spotting has been on and off from Monday until now (Thursday evening). I am supposed to get my period Tuesday or Wednesday, and I have been continuing to take my pills normally. I have not had sex since this started. Do you have any idea what is going on here, I am beginning to get worried, I thought that this would have stopped by now.

Answer
Hi Carolyn,

Thanks for your question. I'm not a medical doctor so please consult with your personal physician. The birth control pills are not 100% safe in preventing pregnancy so there is a small chance you could be pregnant. Yes, maybe the irregularity has something to do with possibly throwing up the pill and/or taking the extra pill. Why not wait until you get done taking this series of pills and see what happens? Or you could call your doctor and ask if you should be seen.
Is there anything else, stress, change of diet, etc that could be causing the irregularities? Please email me at DCHERYL51@yahoo.com and let me know what happens.

Sincerely,
Diane Cheryl