Expert: Diane Cheryl - 7/1/2007

Question
I'm a sexually active 19 year old, and was diagnosed with endometriosis 2 years ago. I was put on birth control at the time, but it was not helping my pains, and was taken off. After starting a new relationship, i decided that it was better for me to start on birth control once again, and after switching doctors was examined, and given birth control with the understanding that i use the pills to skip my period every three months. About 2 weeks ago i forgot to take a pill, and had unprotected sex. Lately I've been feeling nauseous and have been vomiting, I've been having pains in my back, i have been feeling semi bloated, and have been really sensitive to smells. Also in the last two days i have been having cramps, and having to urinate quite often, and there has been blood spots when i go to the bathroom. I'm worried that i may be pregnant, but am not sure because it hasn't come time to have my period yet. I'm on my third pack of pills and should be having my period at the end of this pack, but that isn't for another two weeks. Should i stop the pills immediately and see if my period comes, or should i continue with them as scheduled until it is time to take the last rows of pills. My other concern is that if i am pregnant, will continuing to take the pills harm or hurt anything in anyway, or is it alright to continue with the pills like normal.

Answer
Hello Michelle,
Thanks for your good ratings except for the knowledge rating. Your "5" rating made my scores come down and I was wondering if you really meant to rate me like that. You did rate me Yes for Expert of the Month so I was wondering if you really meant to rate knowledge only 5. If you want to change that rating to higher, allexperts told me to ask you to send an email to experts@about.com about this rating.
Thanks so much and good luck on your situation.
Sincerely,
Diane Cheryl
DCHERYL51@yahoo.com

Hi Michelle,
Thanks for your question. I'm not a medical professional so I suggest that you consult with your physician about this question. He or she should be able to advise you. My opinion would be that you should not continue taking the pills if you are pregnant. The last row of pills should be placebo pills though. Like I said, I would put a call in to your physician. I also wonder about the advice you received about skipping a period every 3 months. Please let me know what happens as I'm concerned. You may email me at DCHERYL51@yahoo.com

Diane Cheryl