Expert: Diane Cheryl - 11/8/2006

Question
I began ortho-low again recently after being off birthcontrol for a couple of years.  I got my period 2.5 weeks into starting.  I continued taking it thru my period and it was very long (+10 days!!).  So after my pills and period were done, I waited until my next period (1 month) to start the next set of pills.   Now that I started taking this new set, the same thing has happened - I have my period 2 weeks into the pills.  

My question is: should I be continuing taking the pills thru my period?   And when should I resume taking them, or start a new pack.  I dont want another 10 day period! Help

Answer
Hi Jenn,
I suggest that you talk to your doctor. I'm not a medical professional but I have done quite a bit of research about birth control methods in general. I'm not quite sure about your particular brand of birth control pills. You have to take the pills exactly right or you risk pregnancy. You also have a percentage of chance to get pregnant even when taking the pills exactly correct. It's not 100% effective. The only way of that is abstinence. I know that the way the pill works with hormones, it can change your cycle and have side effects.
Please check with your doctor and consider going on another method of birth control or abstinence. The only methods that I suggest that aren't a risk to your health are condoms (not very effective) and Natural Family planning. Please email me at DCHERYL51@yahoo.com and let me know what happens. I'm concerned about your cycle and your health.
Diane Cheryl
DCHERYL51@yahoo.com