What should I do with the course of Jaimiess birth control pill to avoid bleeding?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am using the Jaimiess birth control pill for a year to skip my periods. Previously I used Sprintec. I have skipped my periods for almost five months with this method. From yesterday I have been spotting which is more red than brown. It seems like I am going to bleed. Next week is the actual time for the yellow pills, which I usually skip to avoid bleeding. I am always good with taking my medications; I never miss a dose or take that at different times. Breakthrough bleeding is just something that typically happens. Kindly suggest a good way to avoid bleeding, especially for this weekend. What should I do with the course of the pill? Should I continue or stop taking it?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

From your statement, I understand you are taking 84 + 7 birth control pills. Ideally, the bleeding while you are on active pills should last for five to seven days. It is recommended to stop the pills if the patient experiences breakthrough bleeding to allow the menstrual period to reset. But in your case, your active pill cycle is till this week. Also, you desire not to experience bleeding this weekend. If you are sexually active and expect to have intercourse soon, please continue to take the active pill as per the dosage to prevent unplanned pregnancy. After this, 84 active pills, start with inactive pills if you wish to have withdrawal bleeding; else continue with active pills. Breakthrough bleeding is nothing to worry about. It is a common side effect of long-suppressed periods owing to the use of birth control pills. I suggest you continue the pills as per the prescribed dosage if the bleeding is minimal.

Regards.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

In our previous conversation, I also recommended stopping the pill and let the menstrual cycle reset. The menstrual period is nothing but the shedding of the uterus lining. Since your active pill is remaining for a week, and more importantly, you prefer not to bleed this weekend, I suggested not to stop your pill. If you stop the pill, there is a strong possibility of a full period instead of breakthrough bleeding, which you are experiencing now and may cease by this weekend. Also, stopping the pill will result in less protection against pregnancy. Unless there is no other problem than minor spotting, there is nothing to get tensed, and you can make your choice based upon your preference, especially for the weekend restriction you have.

Regards.