Can I still get pregnant while on the pill?

[jstro]

  So I have been on the birth control pill YAZ for about 2 years now and I've got a few questions and concerns. I originally started the pill because I suffered from very intense, painful periods. It has worked for me and I don't mind taking it. Then I start to hear about all this recent controversy where women have had problems and sued over the pill. I will admit I am a smoker and I know it says you shouldn't smoke but I have not suffered from any major problems. I am only 21 and I know I should stop smoking now but YAZ has helped me to manage my painful periods. I'm very good about taking the pill on time and I even take the sugar pills which is supposed to be the time when you have your period. I have probably missed a pill or two during the years I've been taking it but again I have never had any problems. I am sexually active and my partner and I sometimes have unprotected sex. I worry that sometimes I may be pregnant because my periods will be light sometimes and heavy with clots other times. Sometimes I still have some pain and cramps but nothing like I had before the pill. I've heard that you can actually stop having your period the longer you stay on the pill. Is this true? I am on my period right now. Should I take a pregnancy test? Will the results be different? I do not want a kid right now! I have an appointment with my gyno next month but I'm not sure what I need to tell her. Maybe someone can help me or offer some advice. Please and thank you.

[jstro]

  Hey there. Ok so my troubles with being pregnant are over but I now have a much bigger issue. Maybe you can help. I recently went to my gyno and my test results for my pap came back abnormal. I was just informed that I have HPV! Now I am worried. Years ago I got one of those shots to prevent HPV. How did I get HPV? I am going back to my gyno soon to get checked out again and get some tests done. How worried should I be? Please help. Any info would be appreciated.  Thank You.

[jstro]

OH! Thank You very much! I recently took a pregnancy test after I had stopped bleeding and the test was negative. I feel better now knowing that. I appreciate your advice. I'm going to my gyno in a week and I plan on explaining my situation to her. I'm currently trying to quit smoking and I have been working out to try and become healthier. I have another concern. I also take meds for ADHD and depression and I wonder if that can affect the birthconrol? I'm not sure if this is the reason, but I have, over the past year since I've been on these medications, gained a fairly large amount of weight. I've never weighed this much in my life and I'm just a little curious about what is going on with my body. My habits of eating and exercising have not changed but my weight has. Just wondering if you had anything to say about this. Thanks. : )

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It is true that there are side effects of birth control pills like Yaz but fertility return to normal as soon as you stop taking the birth control pills. If you are having periods while on birth control pills which is actually withdrawal bleeding, then pregnancy cannot occur. Missed periods is the first sign of pregnancy.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.