Expert: Diane Cheryl - 1/13/2007

Question
I had it in my head for some reason that during the sugar pill week, when you get your period, you throw away the rest of the sugar pills and start on a new pack. I dont know where I came up with that idea, because I had been on the pill a couple of years ago and took the pills the right way, but I guess I must have forgotten the proper way of taking them. Anyway I have been on orthotricyclen lo for the past 2 1/2 months and when I get my period, have thrown away the last few sugar pills, and started on the new pill pack the next day. Now for the past 3 days, I have noticed a tiny bit of bleeding, and I still have 3 more days before I get to the sugar pills. I had called a friend who told me that you are supposed to take all of the pills in the pack every month, and dont start on the new pack til they are all done. Now I realize I have been taking them wrong, and I feel really stupid about this.

Am I at risk now of being pregnant because of this? Or am I putting myself at risk if I have sex within the next week or so? I still have 3 blue pills left and all 7 of the green sugar pills. My doctors office is not open today. I was wondering if someone might know. I am thinking that its not a risk, because I am taking less days off of the active pills than the normal way of taking them. But I am not sure. Is this spotting becuase of the fact that I didnt take all of the sugar pills in the pack? I would appreciate your response. Thanks


Answer
Hi Sherry,
Thanks for your question. I'm not a medical doctor so check with your physician when you can. Anytime you don't take the pills exactly correctly, you could possibly get pregnant if you are sexually active. However, I've been getting lots of questions lately of bleeding during the cycle. It could be from this or something else. It's impossible for me to diagnose by email. I don't personally recommend the pill because of side effects like these and others. I only recommend non-hormonal methods, such as condoms, Natural Family Planning and of course, abstinence. Hopefully, you can find out from your doctor about your question. I would like for you to email me at DCHERYL51@yahoo.com and let me know what you find out. Feel free to email me anytime.
Diane Cheryl