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Breakthrough bleeding and taking birth control pills correctly

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Breakthrough bleeding on depo

Breakthrough bleeding and the mini pill

DoctorQuestion

January 20th, 2010

I forgot to take my pill on the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday so on the Friday I took 2 to try and get back on track. By Saturday I had my period. My packet is meant to finish on the Saturday but I don't usually get my period until the Thursday following (usually that day every month, very regular). I had my period for 1 week exactly (usually lasts about 5 days). I finished my period on the Saturday and now today (Wednesday) I started bleeding very heavily again. It went from absolutely no blood today to being really heavy. I also forgot to start back on my pill. I don't know whether I can just start taking my pill again or if I have to go through a time off now? Could you please advise me on what to do?

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Anand J. Singh

replied January 22nd, 2010

Birth Control Answer A9411

Hi,

Welcome to the ehealthforum and I am glad to help you out. The bleeding that you had on Saturday was likely breakthrough bleeding and not your periods.

This is very common when you miss the oral contraceptives and the risk increases when you miss three pills in a row. Now, since you are having bleeding, you can start with the fresh pack of oral contraceptives on Sunday(Sunday start) and continue using another means of contraception like condoms until you start with the pills again and even 1 week after starting with the pills. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care.

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	Tags: Birth Control Pills, Birth Control, pills, Contraception, periods, period, birth control pill, about birth control, regular period, back care

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