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Is brown discharge common while using oral contraceptives?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am currently on the Yaz contraceptive pill. I skipped my sugar pills for around four months and had a breakthrough period this month. I had my period last week, but I still have some residual brown discharge for about a week now. Additionally, I had sex a few days ago and bled during it. Nothing hurts or is sore, I just want to know how long I am going to have the brown discharge and if I should be worried or if I should do anything about it?

Answered by Dr. Alison Ann Rodriguez

Education:

Doctor of Medicine

Professional Bio:

Dr. Alison Ann Rodriguez is an Obstetrician and Gynecologist with 25 years of clinical experience in her field. She completed her Doctor of Medicine and Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Louisiana State University School of Medicine. Currently, she is practicing in the United States.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The brown discharge should be temporary. I would recommend you have a period for the next couple of months and not skip the placebo pills temporarily to get back on track. If you have not missed any pills, pregnancy is very unlikely, but I would recommend a pregnancy test for added reassurance. If you have not had a recent test for STDs, like gonorrhea or chlamydia, I would also get tested for those, as these infections may have no symptoms and can cause spotting or bleeding after intercourse. If the problem continues, and no other cause can be found, you can consider changing to a different pill.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Divya Banu M
Published At May 27, 2019
Reviewed At May 9, 2024

Education:

Doctor of Medicine

Professional Bio:

Dr. Alison Ann Rodriguez is an Obstetrician and Gynecologist with 25 years of clinical experience in her field. She completed her Doctor of Medicine and Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Louisiana State University School of Medicine. Currently, she is practicing in the United States.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Divya Banu M is a dedicated Dental Surgeon with valuable clinical experience. She specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of various diseases and conditions affecting the oral cavity. With a gentle and patient-centered approach, she is committed to promoting oral health and enhancing smiles through quality dental care. Her areas of expertise include restorative dentistry, preventive dental care, and cosmetic dental procedures.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Companion

Brown Discharge and Oral Contraceptives Companion

How it works

Brown discharge and breakthrough bleeding can be concerning, especially when using oral contraceptives. Here's what you need to know.

1

Brown
Discharge

2

Bleeding
Explained

3

Skipping
Placebo

4

Pregnancy
Risk

5

STD
Screening

6

Pill
Options

This information is based on general medical guidance. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice; consult a qualified clinician.

Always consult a doctor before taking medication; self-medication carries serious health risks. Take exact prescribed doses, and never start, change, or stop treatment without medical supervision.

Education:

Doctor of Medicine

Professional Bio:

Dr. Alison Ann Rodriguez is an Obstetrician and Gynecologist with 25 years of clinical experience in her field. She completed her Doctor of Medicine and Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Louisiana State University School of Medicine. Currently, she is practicing in the United States.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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