Re: help

Posted By hfhs.md.rcs on August 20, 1998 at 17:19:09:

In Reply to: help posted by Michelle on August 20, 1998 at 16:10:50:






I recently had sex with my boyfriend, although he did not ejaculate until
several minutes after he had already "pulled out."  I have been on the
pill for 3 years, and I have never missed a pill.  I usually take it around
7:00, but the night before we had sex, I took it around midnight.  My
first question is, does that count as "missing" a pill?  Also, the day
after, I noticed some slight spotting, and I have continued to experience
slight spotting for the past 3-4 days.  Today, the spotting was a little
heavier.  However, I am not expecting my period until August 25.  My second
question is, could I be pregnant, considering all these factors, and if
not, is it possible that I have a medical problem?
Dear Michelle:
A "missed pill" is one that is not taken for at least one half day (12 hours) and more commonly a full day (24 hours) beyond the time it is usually taken. Hence, it is unlikely, taking one pill 5 hours late, will undo the effectiveness of the pill.
You have also combined the pill with "coitus interruptus". Thus, the likelihood that you would become pregnant from this is small.
Breakthrough spotting in any given cycle of birth control pill use is not uncommon. Other causes for spotting are local irritation from intercourse and vaginal irritation from infection. In the absence of any other symptoms (burning, itching, odorous discharge), I advise patients to wait through the next pill withdrawal bleeding. If the spotting persists, evaluation by your physician is appropriate.
Keywords: break through bleeding
This information is provided for general purposes only and is not a medical consultation. If you have specific questions, please contact your physician.