HomeAnswersObstetrics and Gynecologybirth control pillI have spotting and light cramping. What could be the cause?

I have been trying to conceive.I stopped birth control pills.I have spotting.Please help.

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At December 19, 2014
Reviewed AtJanuary 31, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

  • I have been trying to conceive since 9/11/2014, which is when I stopped birth control pills and started prenatal vitamins.
  • My cycles before BCP (Birth Control Pills) were always regular, about 30 days +/- 1 day with a 7 day period.
  • And on BCP, my cycles were always 28 days, with a 5 day period.
  • When I stopped BCP, I had a 5 day period, which began my first cycle of 31 days.
  • The next cycle began with a 6 day period and the cycle lasted 37 days.
  • Then this current cycle, which began with a four day period, a bit lighter than normal.
  • I am currently on CD 27 and I believe I ovulated 3-4 days ago.
  • So, the problem here is that I start spotting on CD 25, along with light cramping.
  • It was only a very little bit of light brown blood, so I did not think much of it.
  • Yesterday, CD 26, I had a little more throughout the day, then quite a bit right before bed.
  • This morning, I am still spotting but much heavier than the past two days, and am starting to get a little alarmed by this.
  • The blood is still brown. Any ideas on why this is happening, presumably 3-4 days past ovulation?
  • Is this cause for concern? I have never spotted ever before.
  • Also, I started taking Vitex at the beginning of this cycle in hopes of shortening my cycle a bit.

Thank you in advance for any advice.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

This could be ovulation bleeding.

Usually it may take about 6 months to conceive after stopping the birth control pills.

But your cycle has become irregular after stopping the pills and it is difficult to predict the ovulation time now.

If spotting does not stop or if you experience pain, then you should get an internal scan done to see the cause of spotting.

There is possibility of DUB (Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding) or ectopic pregnancy or threatened abortion.

It can be seen once your period date is over.

Or you may get beta HCG levels tested to confirm this along with the scan (TVS - Transvaginal Scan).

If everything is fine, then you may take progesterone support in the second half of cycle to clear this.

Revert back with the reports to an obstetrician and gynaecologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/obstetrician-and-gynaecologist

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Kamalpreet Kaur Nagpal
Dr. Kamalpreet Kaur Nagpal

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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