You are here:

Birth Control/pill and breakthrough bleeding

Advertisement


Question
I have been on birth control pills for 4 years.  I take the pill every night at approximately the same time.  3 days before my period I had some scant brown blood it appears.  What has caused this?

Answer
That's what it is:  breakthrough bleeding.  Artificial hormones cause it.  "Approximately" the same time could also cause it, since it's not EXACTLY the same time.  There isn't really a lot more that can be said about it.  I don't think it's something to worry about but you can keep track of it and if it causes you any more anxiety, you can mention it the next time you see your doctor.

Birth Control

All Answers


Answers by Expert:


Ask Experts

Volunteer


Ramona Quilter

Expertise

Natural Family Planning is a risk-free, safe, and economical alternative to chemical and barrier contraceptives. NFP is easy to understand, aids in fertility awareness for spacing children as well as increasing communication and assisting couples to concieve. I do not answer questions about other forms of birth control.

Experience

I have personal experience with all birth control methods, I practiced NFP throughout my child-bearing years and I am a paralegal with great research skills. I am totally convinced this is a viable alternative and I can back-up my statements with research.

Organizations
National Association of Legal Professionals, (NALS). Couple to Couple League (www.ccli.org - national organization for NFP)

Education/Credentials
Medical Assisting diploma, Bachelor of Arts, Associate of Applied Science in Legal Studies.

Awards and Honors
College graduate with high honors; high school graduate with highest honors;

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.