Birth control pills

[Questionss]

I just started taking birth control pills on jan 22nd. i took it at a random time in my cycle. I guess technically before my period was due. I am on the third week of active pills. Ive never missed a pill. Yesterday i started bleeding and it has continued today. Its red and is not super heavy but not spotting either. The bleeding resembles days from the middle of my regular period. Could this just be my body getting used to the pills? Also, does this affect the effectiveness of the pills?

[Questionss]

And should i go see my doctor about this?

[Johanna]

You'll want to expect your bleeding to be fairly irregular for the first three or so months or so on the pill, until the body adjusts to the hormones. So this sounds fairly normal, especially given that you started the pill in the middle of a cycle, which can make it more likely that you'll experience irregular bleeding. You will just want to continue to take the pill as directed.

[Questionss]

Ok thanks. But does this affect the effectiveness of the pill? Or am i still protected?

[Johanna]

It is usually a good idea to use a condom as a back-up throughout the entire first month on the pill (and really, always, as the pill does not protect from STIs). But regardless of your irregular bleeding, once you've been on the pill for one full pack, you should be able to rely on the protection provided you take it as directed.

[Questionss]

So if i were to have sex right now with a condom id be pretty protected right?

[Karyn]

Yes, using a condom and the pill offers a very high level of protection from pregnancy. You can read more about that here: The Buddy System: Effectiveness Rates for Backing Up Your Birth Control With a Second Method

[Questionss]

Thank you

[Karyn]

You're very welcome.

[Questionss]

Ok so the bleeding I described in the first post has still continued. Not light or heavy, but heavy enough that i have to wear a pad. Its been a full week now. I am now on the 2nd day of the placebo pills. Could that be why it hasnt stopped? Should i go see a doctor or just continue taking the pills until i start the new pack?

[Sam W]

If it's lasting about a week, are you also having some period like symptoms? Like joey said, irregular bleeding is not uncommon early on, but it could also be that this is your period.

I would advise continuing to take your pills as directed, so finish this pack and then start the next one.

[Questionss]

More at the beginning I had some cramping, some breast tenderness, which is fairly normal for me to get around my period. I just thought it was weird that its lasted for a full 7 days but doesnt look like its lightening up to stop yet. I also thought it may be just because this is my first month on birth control pills so its still adjusting. So what or when should i go see my doctor? if this continues into the next pack?

[Sam W]

I think you're right that the most likely answer is that your body is adjusting to being on the pill. One thing you could do is, if the bleeding does not show signs of stopping as you move through the placebo pills, give your healthcare provider a call and ask them at what point they think it would be sound for you to come see them (e.g if your bleeding continues into the next pack, or if it continues for a certain number of days, etc)

[Questionss]

ok thank you!