NEW THREAD FOR 1/31/2006

[Cindy]

Because there were a small number of women bickering in the forum, we had to remove the threads.  Here is a replacement thread for you along with our apology for having to remove several good questions.  We hope you will re-post them.

Med Help International

[maryheather]

In response to your earlier question,(I can't remember all of the details...)but you should be aware that the use of antibiotics can interfere with the effectiveness of birth control.  I know this particular subject is up for debate in some circles, but it still states that on the package insert, so until otherwise, I would believe the package.
However, you did take a hpt, and didn't you say it was negative?  What I can't remember is if you stated what day your period was supposed to start on...or did you have spotting?  I sincerely hope that you re-post your question, and the great ladies here will respond quickly.  Sorry if I'm not recalling all your info--
I didn't want you to check back and not find your post.
Have a great night!!  MH

[MrsCarrie]

Thank you so much for your reply!  I will definitely try to repost tomorrow when it's not full!

What I had said was that I took antibiotics 3 weeks ago, my husband and I used protection during the time I was on the pills with the exception of the last 2 days because I was due to start my period.  I had my period on time, and it was completely normal.  About 4 days after it ended I started getting a lot of stomaches and nausea.  This past Saturday I missed a pill (ortho tri cyclen lo) and doubled up Sunday.  I spotted yesterday and today but only when I am using the bathroom.  I did take a test and it was negative, but I'm not supposed to start for another week and a half so I am not sure if it was too early or not.  Mind wracking!  

Thanks for the help!

[Adevotee]

the spotting could be break-through bleeding because you missed a pill. while I was on birth control, I can't recall ever missing a pill but I still had break-through bleeding.

[MrsCarrie]

Would that be considered normal if I have been on birth control for years?  I have also missed pills before and have never had this.  I am definitely considering that as the most likely possibility, but am unsure...

[Adevotee]

it could be a combination of the antibiotics and stressing about it. Our bodies do weird things sometimes, lol. My advice would be to phone your dr and ask him/her, or better yet make an appointment.

[MrsCarrie]

Would it be best to wait a few days and see it if is break through bleeding and stops?  As I said I've never had it before, but from the research I've done these past 2 days it seems the most likely.  It also seems the probability of pregnancy would be low?

[maryheather]

Although its not completely unheard of for women to have a "period" even though they're pregnant, I would still consider this to be unlikely.  Considering that your period came when it was supposed to, and lasted the normal duration, I would guess that you're probably not pregnant (although we can't really know for sure...)Also the fact that you took a HPT..
As far as the stomach pains/nausea, is it possible that you came in contact with a stomach bug?  I know my kids have passed it around, and there's a particularly nasty one that lasts for several days.  They didn't run a fever, and they each responded differently, but they were sick for about 5 days--
Oh well...I would just try to relax.  If it would make you feel better, retest if your next period is late.  
Just remember that in order for the pill to be most effective, it needs to be taken everyday--and don't discount the fact that its possible, as our bodies age (no offense intended...my pill that worked before my son all of the sudden didn't work after he was born...)your particular pill may not be right for you anymore.  Hormone fluctuations, etc..all have an impact on whether a particular pill is right for you.  If a pill isn't the right one for you, breakthrough bleeding/or even missing periods...are usually some of the first symptoms.
Good luck, and sorry this is so long.  MH

[MrsCarrie]

Thanks for all the posts ladies.  I've realized that I'm not pregnant.  Now I'm just waiting for the bleeding and cramps to stop.  At least I can take advil now!  If it doesn't stop in the next few days I will head to the doctor.  I'm pretty sure it's all due to the missed pill and some other side effects of the orthotricyclen-lo.  I guess it's time, yet again, to try to find another birth control pill I can take...