Expert: Diane Cheryl - 8/26/2009

Question
Hello, I've been on Othro tri-cyclen for about 2 1/2 years now. I did a lot of research on birth control pills before I started. I read that if you just start a new pack of pills instead of taking the placebos then you can skip your period.  Well last week I went on vacation and I was suppose to have my period  that week.  So I started a new pack instead of taking the placebos.   My period didn't come that Tuesday like it would have so I figured it worked!  But, yesterday, this Tuesday(exactly a week after I was suppose to start) I had very light spotting.  And I'm still spotting just a very little bit today.  That concerned me so I did some more research.  I read that with the type of pill I'm on I was suppose to take only the week 3 of the next pack, then placebos, then start a new pack.

My main concern is that I can get pregnant because I messed around with my pills.  I've already had unprotected sex multiple times. I really need to know if I need to take a pregnancy test and start using condoms for a little while.

I'm also wondering if my period is going to be different now.  It's always came on a Tuesday, sometimes Wednesday, when i get to the placebos. This has been the case since I first started the pills.  Can it be unregulated now?  I know everyone is different, but about how long does it usually take to get back on track.

Thanks so much!

Answer
Hi Heather,

I'm not a doctor so just remember that because everything I tell you is my opinion. I'm glad that you researched the birth control pills so you will be more knowledgeable. I wonder if you found anything in your research that tells about the risks and side effects of hormonal birth control? I have done research for many years and I don't recommend the hormonal birth control methods at all. I also don't advise (if you do take hormonal birth control pills) that you would change the way that the manufacturer's say to use the pills.

It's possible that you could be pregnant. No method of birth control is 100% safe and if you didn't take them according to directions, this would increase the chance of pregnancy. You can contact a pregnancy resource center and get a free test and advice if you like. To find the center(s) in your area, go to http://www.optionline.org or call 1-800-395-HELP. Another site
http://www.heartbeatinternational.org/worldwide_directory.asp

I can't tell you about how the pill will affect your period. In a few months, you should somewhat know your cycle. But again, I would recommend going off the birth control pills and find some other method.

Please email me at DCHERYL51@yahoo.com to keep me updated or just talk. Hope to hear from you soon. Sorry for all the bad news.

Diane Cheryl