birth control and discharge

[Questionss]

Is it normal to have vaginal discharge while on birth control pills? I wasnt totally sure because i thought your vaginal discharge depends on ovulation time. But you dont ovulate while on birth control pills.

[Mo]

Yep, vaginal discharge is still normal when on birth control pills, or other forms of hormonal birth control. You will likely not notice the same cycle of discharge you'd see if you weren't on the pill, but you will still be producing discharge.

[Questionss]

Ok so vaginal discharge has nothing to do with the effectiveness of the pill?

[Mo]

That's correct.

[Questionss]

Ok thank you! Also today ive been experiencing these mild cramps i guess. This is a feeling i usually have around the time i get my period. But this is the first week of my new pack so my period was last week. When i took my pill this morning i felt like it got stuck down my throat. Would that have anything to do with it?

[Karyn]

Having trouble swallowing your pill won't affect anything, as long as you do manage to swallow it. Cramps can happen for all sorts of reasons, sometimes as a side effect of the pill. Unless you're having severe pain, I wouldn't say it's anything you need to be concerned about, but you can always double check that with a doctor if you like.

[Questionss]

Would it still be a side effect even tho this is my 4th pack of pills? Also ive never had this before except for before my period is starting. And again this wouldnt mean the pills are less effective right?

[Amanda]

The exact cause of your cramping is something to consult with a doctor about. It might not even be related to your uterus-- cramping of the bowels can occur in a similar location and feel much like menstrual cramps. Regardless of what is causing the cramps, they certainly do not indicate that the pills are less effective in any way.

It seems like you have a lot of concern/stress about the effectiveness of your birth control pills and their side effects, yes? Have you thought much about why this might be the case? Do you see a healthcare provider on a regular basis (yearly, at least) for preventive and sexual health care, and are you able to contact them with medical questions/concerns?

[Questionss]

Yes i do. It just seems like i always think of these questions after i see her. Also i didnt want to make an appt just to ask about slight cramping. I just wanted to know if it affected the pills effectiveness so i could take extra caution when taking part in sexual acts

[Amanda]

Ok great! Glad we were able to clear that up. Also, if you ever have specific medical questions that we may not be able to answer, you can most likely email your doctor (or contact her electronically in some way) to ask the question without having to make an appointment.

[Questionss]

Thank you