Withdrawel bleeding

[kaykaymeg74]

Hi,
I recently started birth control, and I got my period or withdrawel bleed when I started the placebo pills. I'm jusy curious as to what a withdrawel bleed is.. Is it like a period? Does it tell you that you're not pregnant?

[Heather]

The flow you get when using a hormonal method happens as it does for two reasons:
1) Because each cycle your uterus still builds up some tissue that needs shedding, just not as much as when not using those methods, and
2) Because those methods are designed to create chemical changes that are similar to those that happen with a menstrual cycle, which include chemical changes that tell your body it's time to shed that tissue.

And yep, like a menstrual period, when someone is having withdrawal bleeding, it is because they did not conceive in the previous cycle.

[kaykaymeg74]

So withdrawel bleeding would start the time as my placebo pills and would technically be like a period?

[Heather]

Usually, withdrawal bleeds start sometime around or within your placebo pills -- most often after you start them, but not always or for everyone. But in the first few months of using the pill, you may find you don't sync up with that right away.

[kaykaymeg74]

So getting a withdrawel bleed is just like getting your period? Except just without putting out an egg.. Sorry I'm confused

[Amanda]

It's not quite the same as a period, hence the different name. A withdrawal bleed is the body's reaction to the change in hormones brought on by transitioning from active pills to placebo pills. The lining of the uterus is already thinned by hormonal contraception, and the drop in hormone is just enough to cause the shedding of some of the uterine lining. So what's going on inside the body is a little different than what occurs during a normal menstrual cycle, but the withdrawal bleed experience for most birth control users is basically the same as a period.

So yes: no egg, and also thinned uterine lining, and thickened cervical mucus (which prevents sperm from even penetrating the cervix to enter the uterus!). The reason birth control pills are so effective is because they affect the body in several different ways to prevent pregnancy.

[kaykaymeg74]

Ok, makes sense . So a withdrawel bleed indicates no pregnancy ?!

[Amanda]

Technically, the only way to know for sure is to take a pregnancy test. But bleeding if you are pregnant would be very unlikely (it can be an indication that something is wrong, and would not look or feel like your usual period or withdrawal bleed). So while using the pill (and hopefully a backup method like condoms!) it would be very unlikely for you to become pregnant, and if you do, it would be very unlikely for you to be bleeding.

Basically, your chances of being pregnant are so tiny there's no reason to worry. If you have frequent pregnancy worries despite properly using reliable forms of birth control, addressing any underlying anxiety is the best thing you can do for your health at this point.

[kaykaymeg74]

I do have anxiety about that, but technically a withdrawel bleed would be like a period, meaning that your not pregnant?

[Sam W]

Yep, that's correct

If you've been having anxiety like this for awhile, it might be time to check in with a counselor, so you have someone to talk to who can help you figure out ways to address those anxious feelings.

[kaykaymeg74]

It all stemmed from me thinking that I'm pregnant from grind dancing w a guy (we had clothes on) obviously pregnancy couldn't ovcur from this situation rught?

[Heather]

We've already addressed that with you, including you acknowledging right from the start you knew already this is not something that can create a pregnancy.

If you want more information about the reality and facts of human reproduction and how it happens, you'll find a thorough explanation here: Human Reproduction: A Seafarer's Guide.

[kaykaymeg74]

Thank you.. That article helped a lot. I guess being anxious about it made me forget the facts of pregnancy and that it can't happen if you're wearing clothes /grind dancing. Do you think me thinking I am when I'm really not/ obsessing over this irrational fear is related to something else? I don't even know why I'd start thinking that this could cause a pregnancy in the first place

[Heather]

You have described suffering from anxiety now and in the past in your other thread. So, as I suggested there, I'd advise you seek out some mental healthcare -- or go back to the therapist you saw previously -- so that you can get help with managing that anxiety.

[kaykaymeg74]

Ok thank you.. Also I was just wondering if this was a common anxiety among girls? Like I mean obviously I've done nothing to become pregnant but I'm still nervous.. So is this a common occurrence ?

[Heather]

As I mentioned to you earlier, for people who have anxiety, pregnancy or fears of pregnancy are one of the most common triggers.