Expert: Diane Cheryl - 6/28/2011

Question
Hi, about 3 weeks ago my boyfriend and i had unprotected sex.  That same night, i forgot to take my pill.  The day after i totally messed up and just took the pill i forgot to take, so i only took one that day not two like i was supposed to. So i actually missed a day of taking a pill.  i hope that all made sense.  Since then, i've had light and dark spotting and cramps.  I was feeling nauseous at a certain time each night but that went away.  I took a pregnancy test just in case and it came up negative.  I should have had my period this last week, but i did not take my sugar pills and just continued my next pack so i wouldnt get my period while i was on vacation.  What i am wondering is why ive been spotting for so long and when will it go away? Should i see a doctor? Thank you!

Answer
Hi Emily,

What has happened since you sent me this question? Usually just missing one pill would not cause too much problems but you never know. No birth control method is 100% safe in preventing pregnancy. So there is a slight possibility. Try another pregnancy test if you don't start your period or do develop pregnancy symptoms. You can go to a pregnancy resource center to get a free test and advice or you can go to your doctor. To find a free pregnancy resource center, go to http://www.optionline.org or call 1-800-395-HELP. Let me know what happens. Oh, or you could try http://www.heartbeatservices.org and click on the globe in the upper right hand corner of the page.

Please email me at CHERYL51@aol.com and update me. Thanks.

Diane Cheryl