T O P I C R E V I E W
copper86
Member # 95710
posted 08-15-2012 08:03 PM
I know spoitting while on birth control is normal, but this has never happened to me before. My period should start in a week and I found blood on my underwear. I wiped and saw no more blood. The last sexual encounter I had we never had vaginal sex - we attempted to but he had a condom on and I had never missed a pill. That was ten days ago. I'm really scared. My cramps are bad like they usually are around this time of the month. [ 08-15-2012, 08:04 PM: Message edited by: copper86 ]
Robin Lee
Member # 90293
posted 08-15-2012 08:16 PM
Spotting on the pill can start up at any time. It most often happens during the first few months of use, but some people find that it starts up after they've been taking the pill for a while. Breathe; you're okay.
copper86
Member # 95710
posted 08-15-2012 08:20 PM
I used to have a problem with breakthrough bleeding with my former pill brand. I'd sometimes start my period 5 days before my placebo week. This is 7... But it looks like it has stopped. I'm trying to convince myself that I'm okay, but I'm terrified! But since I've had breakthrough bleeding issues, could this be what this is? It's brown-red blood. I have two other spare packs, but maybe I should switch pill brands? I'm almost positive that pregnancy is out of the question, so I'm trying to tell myself that this is not implantation bleeding. I will try to relax, thank you for your fast response.
Robin Lee
Member # 90293
posted 08-15-2012 08:26 PM
If it was a little blood on your underwear, it doesn't sound like it's as severe as the problems you had with your last brand. Generally, a person would switch pill brands if the side effects were dangerous or uncomfortable to her. It's up to you whether you want to talk to your doctor about switching, but a little bit of spotting is a pretty typical and manageable side effect. Sounds like it really scares you though.
copper86
Member # 95710
posted 08-15-2012 08:33 PM
It's two streaks of blood. I'm considering making a call to a healthline or pharmacy tomorrow. I guess I don't have to switch, but I'm not sure if this is even my period starting. A 19-day cycle is very atypical for me, so I'm unsure. I have bad cramps still. I know spotting is common but I guess since I've never experienced it in 2 years, I'm really scared. My partner told me the condom never broke. I was finally starting to relax and now this happens. I must sound like a broken record! Could stress play a part in this? I haven't been sleeping well and I've been very anxious. [ 08-15-2012, 08:35 PM: Message edited by: copper86 ]
Robin Lee
Member # 90293
posted 08-15-2012 08:39 PM
Stress could absolutely play a part in this. I think it's really important for you to remember that spotting does not equal the pill not working. A little blood on the underwear can also sometimes be from a small abbrasion in the vaginal or vulvar tissue, something we're not even aware of. So, what is your plan for getting un-terrified?
copper86
Member # 95710
posted 08-15-2012 08:45 PM
Okay, that makes me feel better. My partner and I haven't been talking as much as I'd like, so that has stressed me out considerably (not that I'm blaming him - that's just how I feel when this happens). I did try masturbating a little, but that was days earlier. I'm trying to think of other factors. Honestly, I'm not sure. I was hyperventilating and I'm shaking now. I've been rationalizing to myself about how safe I was 10 days prior, and how this is common. It says that amenorrhea is a side effect of my pill in my leaflet; I know it's common but it's so uncommon for me. Praying might help. I'm trying to calm myself down... It's just that the timing of this is freaking me out. Of course, if this was 2 or 3 days later I'd be less scared. What if this turns into my bleed - that would be a bad sign, correct? I started my pack on time and haven't taken a pill late.
Robin Lee
Member # 90293
posted 08-15-2012 08:50 PM
If it turned into your bleed, the only thing it would mean is that you would want to call your doctor and make an appointment to talk about it and evaluate together whether anything needs to change. Some things that people find helpful when they're in a panic are slow breathing through the nose, drinking water, splashing cold water on the face, doing some mild exercise, doing an activity that takes their mind off the panicky stuff (like reading a book or watching TV), constant self-reminders that things are okay, and many other things.
copper86
Member # 95710
posted 08-15-2012 09:04 PM
I think I'm still bleeding a little. Okay, I can manage that. I still might make a call tomorrow, but I'm nervous they'll throw implantation bleeding or other not-so-possible theories at me, as have happened before. I think I will try breathing slowly and watching tv. Thank you Robin. I'm still really worried but I'm hoping I'm alright.
copper86
Member # 95710
posted 08-15-2012 09:59 PM
I've been doing some research and have found that heavy or abnormal bleeding is a sign of an STD, but I want to just go to a doctor and have a chat with him or her before I make mountains out of mole hills. My last pap smear and physical was in December but I didn't get any results after having a blood test and urine sample done. It was at my former university so I can't go back and I know they don't give results over the phone. I'm beside myself.
Karybu
Member # 20094
posted 08-15-2012 11:02 PM
I think talking to your doctor is a really good idea, and getting screened for STIs is never a bad thing. It's really very likely though that this is just a bit of spotting from the pill. Have you managed to lessen your panic at all?
copper86
Member # 95710
posted 08-15-2012 11:06 PM
I know spotting between periods on the pill is very common, so I'm trying to just allocate it to that. I have been able to calm myself a little. I finally told my mother that I'm on the pill, and she was able to lessen my worries; telling me that spotting can happen on the pill and can be due to things like stress, changes in routine (and weather), and a bit of cycle irregularity. I was relieved to be honest with her about that one part of my personal life. Otherwise, I'm still nervous but my mom told me to keep an eye on it and if it got worse, she would take me to a doctor. Can one spot for a few days like this, or is spotting usually a one-day thing? I suppose it varies for everyone.
Karybu
Member # 20094
posted 08-15-2012 11:52 PM
How long spotting lasts really does vary from person to person. It might last one day, or a few, and can be different each time even for the same person.
copper86
Member # 95710
posted 08-16-2012 06:29 AM
Thank you so much! I think I might still have some today. I just remembered that my last period started later (3 days into my placebo week instead of two or a little earlier); and I had manual sex performed on me 10 days ago. The blood was brown at first... Maybe I got an abbrasion from that or when I was trying to masturbate earlier; but I'm not sure if blood would appear so long afterwards. I know this site is on a board break, so if need be, my post does not need to be answered right away.
Robin Lee
Member # 90293
posted 08-16-2012 06:39 AM
Hi Copper, Yes, we are going on break shortly. Just keep reminding yourself that there are a lot of non-threatening reason for spotting and keep practicing whatever practices help to relieve your anxiety over this.
copper86
Member # 95710
posted 08-16-2012 06:43 AM
Thank you for your response, especially during this time! I will try to remember that and to relax! Have a good break!
Rei
Member # 49582
posted 08-16-2012 06:44 AM
We're not on the break yet, no worries. Brown blood is just older blood, but yes, it could have been from an abrasion that hasn't fully healed yet or just spotting as a side effect of your pill.
copper86
Member # 95710
posted 08-16-2012 09:26 AM
Thank you! I just wanted to update that the spotting was heavier and redder, so I put on a tampon. I'm now skeptical of spotting and thinking it's my bleed. I'm on a 28-day pack and I always take my placebo pills, so it is not as if I messed up the dosage. I'm going to call a pharmacist and see if I can go to the doctor soon.
Rei
Member # 49582
posted 08-16-2012 09:53 AM
That sounds good, Copper. It sounds like you withdrawal bleed is just coming at a different time than you expect, which isn't a bad sign; it can be a little unpredicatble sometimes.
copper86
Member # 95710
posted 08-20-2012 01:37 PM
Now that the boards are open again, I just wanted to do an update and to say "welcome back" to the so supportive and thoughtful staff and volunteers! My spotting turned into what I still believe is a bleed - a very weird but obvious bleed. I've been bleeding for 6 days now, and though it's lighter than other bleeds, I had a flow increase on the fourth day (not unusual) albeit a bit temporary, and now my bleed is acting as it usually would. I've had cramps and usual bleed symptoms; and even took a pregnancy test 14 days after my last encounter to make sure. My mom told me that she would make me an appointment with our doctor. I'm hoping that she won't follow me in there, but I have a plan of politely telling her that if I need her, I will ask for her right away. It's still weird that she knows I'm on the pill. I've had breakthrough bleeding before, but with my last pill, no matter how early it came, my bleed would always act the same as it would if it came on time. Could my new pill - which is supposed to do a good job of "regulating" bleeds (according to my doctor and its website) - be making my bleed lighter? I'm also figuring that the same side effects would be different with each brand of pill, too. I'm still a bit worried something is wrong with me, but the negative result and the 6-day bleed is helping. I've been told that bleeds like this - a week early - can happen but are not extremely common. I've racked my brain to try and see if I did anything wrong with taking them, and I know I haven't. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this post!
Heather
Member # 3
posted 08-20-2012 01:49 PM
When did you start the new pill again, copper?
copper86
Member # 95710
posted 08-20-2012 02:08 PM
I started my new pill around late September... I've been on it for eleven months or so.
Heather
Member # 3
posted 08-20-2012 02:29 PM
Okay, so we can rule out side effects from starting something new: just wanted to check. Is this the first time you've had a withdrawal bleed start this early before your placebos, with this pill? If so, I'd not see any cause for concern right now, especially if you are sure you are using your pills properly. And per pregnancy worries, if you are backing up with a second method, then you can know pregnancy is very, very, very unlikely. If you're not backing up with a second method and continue to worry about pregnancy, I'd say it's pretty obvious what the answer to that probably is, no?
copper86
Member # 95710
posted 08-20-2012 03:07 PM
Yes, it is the first time this has happened using this brand of pills. The earliest I've ever started on this brand (before this happened) was three days before the placebo week. I'm glad it doesn't sound like anything major. I didn't skip my placebo week or anything. Yes, we backed up with condoms and he ejaculated later after giving me manual sex. Yup - I took a pregnancy test yesterday at 14 days, and I'll buy more if I get more worried. And I really enjoy us backing up with a second method, especially condoms, so I know using that or withdrawal will help me worry less, too. [ 08-20-2012, 03:09 PM: Message edited by: copper86 ]
Heather
Member # 3
posted 08-20-2012 03:27 PM
Honestly, if you are using the pill and condoms properly and consistently, I feel confident saying you simply are not going to become pregnant. Both those methods failing in proper use would be about as likely as being struck by lightening. (I haven't double-checked the math on that mind, but really, it's about that unlikely.)
copper86
Member # 95710
posted 08-20-2012 03:34 PM
That was a great simile, it definitely made me smile! I again thought about my not feeling myself swallow that pill last month, but I know I took it. He had assured me the condom did not break as it was. I would still like to talk to a doctor about this; but I could also keep an eye on it and if I start early again, I will not ignore it then if I decide not to see a doctor now. One random thing that sort of irks me (but it's something that happens, so it's not a big deal), is that if I had to switch brands, I'd have at least two packs left over. You can't just give those unopened packs back and get a refund, right? I know pills aren't coffee makers that you can return unused, I was just curious. It's so nice to be reassured like this. I even checked out your link to Planned Parenthood, and I like their site, too. I hope you know how much you and all the other staff and volunteers here are valued!
copper86
Member # 95710
posted 08-20-2012 03:35 PM
That was a great simile, it definitely made me smile! I again thought about my not feeling myself swallow that pill last month, but I know I took it. He had assured me the condom did not break as it was. I would still like to talk to a doctor about this; but I could also keep an eye on it and if I start early again, I will not ignore it then if I decide not to see a doctor now. One random thing that sort of irks me (but it's something that happens, so it's not a big deal), is that if I had to switch brands, I'd have at least two packs left over. You can't just give those unopened packs back and get a refund, right? I know pills aren't coffee makers that you can return unused, I was just curious. It's so nice to be reassured like this. I even checked out your link to Planned Parenthood, and I like their site, too. I hope you know how much you and all the other staff and volunteers here are valued!
copper86
Member # 95710
posted 08-20-2012 03:37 PM
Sorry about the double post - my phone's internet went wonky.
Heather
Member # 3
posted 08-20-2012 04:04 PM
No, you can;t return unused prescription medications, for obvious (I'd think it was obvious, anyway) safety issues.
copper86
Member # 95710
posted 08-20-2012 04:12 PM
That is a good point. I guess my naivety with prescriptions has shone through! That's alright - I was merely curious.
copper86
Member # 95710
posted 08-21-2012 01:23 PM
My mother got in contact with our family doctor and I'm getting a referral to a female doctor who was recommended to my mother and I from our doctor. I should be seeing her within the next couple of days, which is a relief. The woman my mother spoke to told her that my issue is not a huge concern and can happen with the differing amounts of hormone levels with this pill. So, based on what she said and coupling it with what Heather said, I am going to try to relax. I'm also going to try and trust my negative result. Though this is a period and has lasted 7 days, it has been different - but the same side effects (like breakthrough bleeding) could be different with each brand of pill, right? Thank you so much! I know the staff and volunteers here have users with more pressing concerns than mine on the forums, so please only answer my post when you have the chance; as I believe it is not an emergency any longer.
Robin Lee
Member # 90293
posted 08-21-2012 01:36 PM
I'm glad you got an appointment and hope this is a doc you connect with. It's up to you, but I think it would also be a really good idea to talk with her about the anxiety and outright panic you've been experiencing.
copper86
Member # 95710
posted 08-21-2012 02:43 PM
Thank you! I think I might mention that to her, as well. What truly scared me was bleeding so early. But I'd like to tell her about my anxiety and see if she has any ideas for me.
copper86
Member # 95710
posted 08-21-2012 06:15 PM
I'm sorry, I have one last question: I was told by my university doctor long ago that breakthrough bleeding does not affect the effectiveness of the pill - that is correct, yes?
Heather
Member # 3
posted 08-21-2012 06:34 PM
Just like tender breasts, for instance, or headaches, breakthrough bleeding is simply one common side effect of the pill. And like any side effect, if anything, it's clear evidence your medication IS impacting your body (though a lack of side effects doesn't conversely mean that it isn't). It might help to also understand that uterine bleeding is usually due to the lining of the uterus going buh-bye. The same lining needed for a fertilized ovum to implant in and to sustain a pregnancy. Breakthrough bleeding -- and withdrawal bleeds -- is also about that lining.
copper86
Member # 95710
posted 08-21-2012 10:35 PM
Thank you so much for your always-helpful and knowledgeable response, Heather. I can sleep better now.
copper86
Member # 95710
posted 08-22-2012 07:23 PM
I have quite an elementary question, so please bear with me. My bleeds with this pill are always 6-8 days long. When I chart my bleeds and take record of what my flow is like each day, I always count the first sign of blood as Day 1 of my bleed. Today, on the 8th day, I noticed a regular flow tonight. I'm now thinking I'm charting my bleeds wrong, or at least this one. I spotted or had brownish blood for the first two days of this month, and it was only the third day when my flow picked up from spotting to light and then regular. I guess my question is, does spotting actually count as Day 1 of one's bleed? It could have truly been some spotting before my actual early bleed. I'm really embarrassed to ask these questions; but I do know there is a difference between spotting and a bleed. I've just started my placebo pills now. I just want to know so I can chart my bleeds with more efficiency. If my bleed continued longer than 8 days, is that a cause for concern? I'm exasperated with all of this! I know my body's not a machine and that my bleeds can vary month to month, but I'm pretty confused about how it's working right now! [ 08-22-2012, 07:24 PM: Message edited by: copper86 ]
Heather
Member # 3
posted 08-23-2012 11:38 AM
For a lot of people, if not most, periods or withdrawal bleeds tend to start with light spotting or flow and get heavier, then taper off. Can I ask what you're looking for in charting? I ask because usually charting is something people use who are not using hormonal contraceptives.
copper86
Member # 95710
posted 08-23-2012 01:34 PM
Ever since I had a pregnancy scare about a year and a bit ago, I started keeping track of my cycles and all sexual activities for peace of mind and to see what was "regular" for me. My concern is that I've been bleeding for 9 days but spotting for 2 days of the 9. That doesn't usually happen, but I know my body is not a machine! [ 08-23-2012, 01:40 PM: Message edited by: copper86 ]
Heather
Member # 3
posted 08-23-2012 01:38 PM
With that long of a bleed, I'd actually expect some of it to be light. If it wasn't, and that amount of time for flow wasn't typical for you, I'd personally suggest a healthcare check-in.
copper86
Member # 95710
posted 08-23-2012 01:51 PM
An 8-day bleed is typical; 9 days with spotting and brown blood for the first 2 is not. That is why I thought I was charting incorrectly.
Heather
Member # 3
posted 08-23-2012 02:00 PM
A one-day variance in flow or cycles is so common for most people plenty of the time, I'd personally think nothing of it.
copper86
Member # 95710
posted 08-23-2012 02:03 PM
Thank you so much! I'm just scared I won't stop bleeding, but that has never occurred and I know that's unlikely. My flow was light this morning so I'll see how I'm doing later on.
copper86
Member # 95710
posted 08-23-2012 05:38 PM
My flow is light I would say and mixed wirh discharge. I was wondering: how long would a bleed have to last in order for it to be classified as a health concern? I know a two-week one is not safe... I just want to make sure. I apologize for repeating this, but I've been doing a lot of research and would really like an input on this: does spotting count as Day 1 of one's cycle; or does bright red blood or a full day of flow count as Day 1? I've seen all 3 answers, and don't want to browse Yahoo Answers as I know that's merely opinion-based. A fertility site that seemed credible stated that Day 1 was the first day of red flow - not spotting.
Heather
Member # 3
posted 08-23-2012 07:12 PM
Really, I'd say with charting, this is a simple preference, especially since you're not charting 9since you can't, on the pill) to find out when you're fertile. So, either you decide, or maybe in your charting, just make a note as to what days are spotting, what's light flow, heavy flow, etc? Seriously, you're not trying to get a certificate with this, these are just your own notes for yourself. In terms of when to call a healthcare provider with vaginal bleeding, I'd say that if you ever notice something radically different with it -- not a teeny bit, radically, like weeks of bleeding instead of around one, or way heavier flow than usual, way more pain, etc. -- then put a call in. Otherwise, if you're on top of your basic preventative reproductive healthcare and stay on top of it, you should be fine.
copper86
Member # 95710
posted 08-23-2012 08:11 PM
Thank you so much. It's just that I never have spotting like this - or if I do, it doesn't happen often or a heavy flow follows the same day or so. I spoke to my mother and she said that sometimes, when she was on the pill, she would spot for a day or two and then bleed for a week or so; which made me feel like less of an abnormality. I'm happy that I can finally discuss these things with her. As you can plainly see, any kind of different change with my bleed and I get a bit edgy. My flow still seems light so I'm expecting I'll still bleed tomorrow. I'm a little less worried about it. Thank you so much for answering my questions!
copper86
Member # 95710
posted 08-24-2012 05:47 AM
It looks like my flow is regular again, and I think I have cramps (or it could just be fatigue). I honestly have no idea what is going on with my body. I hate this so much. My mom can make me an appointment but our doctor's office is closed on Friday till Monday and the thought of me waiting that long terrifies me. Has anyone ever heard of breakthrough bleeding for 4 or 5 days and then a full-out period? It's only my third day into my placebo week. I don't know if I'll bleed until I start my active pills again or not. I'm scared I'll never stop. I feel like taking more pregnancy tests but at 14 days I tested and it was negative. I'm not sure if this is just my pills or a hormonal imbalance... But I'm just so scared and feel like a freak. If anyone has any advice or experience with longer bleeds, please help me. Thank you!