DeeDee asked
Hello, I've been wondering something. So basically, I'm on birth control (of course) and I've missed a whole WEEK of the pills, purposely. I know, I know, "why would you purposely miss a whole week of pills?" It's only because I'm trying to become pregnant. So right now it's 5 pills that I've missed and I plan on missing the next two. Right now, I'm currently bleeding but it's a light red blood. At first it was just like a brown discharge and now it's just straight up blood. And I'm bleeding as if I'm on my period. I should also mention that my partner and I have been having back to back sex during this week and during our little bundle session we ejaculated in me all times while I was missing the pills. Could this possibly be a early sign of pregnancy or is it just the after effects of missing so many pills?
Answer
Once you stop taking oral contraception or even if you only miss one pill, there is a chance of spotting or bleeding.
Most birth controls are a combination of progestin and estrogen or solely progestin. These two hormones are naturally produced by the ovaries to regulate the ovulation cycle. When there is an increase of these two hormones, it essentially tricks the body into thinking it is pregnant and will stop ovulation. Therefore, by taking a birth control, you are raising the progestin and estrogen levels and decreasing your chances to become pregnant.
When you stop taking or miss a birth control pill, your progestin and estrogen levels decrease which is a sign for your body to drop your egg and menses begins. It is common for bleeding to occur for this reason as the 28 day cycle has been disrupted by the decrease in hormones.
Your cycle will need to restart itself by regulating hormone levels to initiate ovulation. Some women experience a condition called "post pill amenorrhea". This is when there is a delay of a period after stopping birth control pill and the initial bleeding that can last for months. If your period does not return after two months, see a doctor to make sure your hormone levels are returning to normal and rule out any other medical conditions.
Periods may seem irregular after taking the pill because your cycle might not be the full 28 days. This is why it is important to track your period to determine when ovulation is occurring to increase the chance of becoming pregnant. There is no evidence that this irregularity decreases the chances to become pregnant however.
Good luck!
