Expert: Norman Solberg - 8/9/2009

Question
I came off the birth control pill micronor on the 19th of July I then had my period lasting 5 days starting on the 19th of July. I have since been trying to conceive and had regular intercourse. On the 7th of August I had a brownish discharge and since its turned dark red and is continuing but is only when i wipe not a full on period. Please could you shed some light on why im having a period like bleed two weeks early. kind regards

Answer
Micronor is a progestin only birth control pill.  As such, it may or may not prevent ovulation.  If it doesn't prevent ovulation, there is some long term stimulation of the uterine lining.  The progestin tends to counter this and keep the lining thin, but there isn't the cleaning off of the uterine lining like happens with the combination pill or a normal ovulatory period.  Because of this, there may be some buildup of the lining in your uterus.  It's not enough to cause much problem, but enough to cause some bleeding or spotting.  Once you ovulate, you'll get a real period 2 weeks later, and the spotting/discharge should stop.  Sometimes the first real period is a little delayed when going off the pill, because ovulation is a little delayed.  Once it happens, you'll be back to normal.  Best wishes.