BCP's and spotting

[naughtoj]

If you have some menstual spotting during a cycle of BCP's, does that indicate a decrease in effectiveness in preventing pregnancy? I thought they said to see your doctor if you spotted more than three cycles...wasn't sure of the reason for this??

I switched pills and am bleeding before I should be (while taking the active pills) and want to make sure I won't end up preggo. This is my second or third cycle of these pills and the first time I have had "issues".


Thanks experts! (you know who you are)

 

[CurlyQ]

I had the same thing only it started happening with a prescription that I had been taking for years. It got pretty annoying so I mentioned it to my NP at my next visit. She said that it's common since our hormone levels fluctuate as we age, mind you I'm only 28. She put me on another pill but I had the same problem so I decided to go off the pill all together. I'm really much happier off of the pill - no mood swings, fatigue, my periods are shorter (wasn't expecting that), and no mid month spotting. I realize that going off the pill may not be an option for you, my husband and I are in the position that if it happened it wouldn't be bad news.

Talk to your dr., I'm sure they'll give you another pill to try. I'm not sure if it's an issue with effectiveness, my NP didn't seem concerned. As long as you take it on time it's still 99% effective, from what I've read anyway.