Confused

[Charisma811]

I am on Yaz birth control, but one day I forgot to take it and my husband and I did engage in intercourse, but he never goes in me he always pulls out; however, I know there is a chance of precum. I began getting cramps a week later my period is not suppose to come for another 2 weeks according to the pills. I stopped taking them 2 days after I noticed I missed one because I was concerned. Now I have light brownish discharge. What does all this mean? My period came early?

[Charisma811]

How long does this discharge last? I took your advice, but I'm still having brownish discharge (4 days so far). On top of that I have a headache, tender breasts, and frequent urination, and a lil nausea (nothing serious). I'm very confused about these symptoms and why they would suddenly appear? I called my doctor's nurse and she stated the same thing you did. I took a PT to be on the safe side before I got back on the pill and it was negative. A lot of the woman in the forums stated sometimes PT tests are negative at first and that it sounds like implantation bleeding not withdrawal. Of course I trust a med professional before anyone else, but I would like to hear your thoughts on this?

[Keith Downing, MD]

Hello,

If you miss one pill only, you should take the next pill as soon as possible.  If you miss more than one pill, it is important to use back up contraception or refrain from intercourse.  

I suspect you are bleeding because you have now stopped taking the pills which causes withdrawal bleeding (the triggering of menstruation when on hormonal contraception).

When the bleeding stops resume your pills as previously.  If you are typically not consistent with  taking the pill on time, you may want to consider another form of hormonal contraception such as the Nuvaring or the patch, or an IUD.  You can talk with your ob/gyn about alternative forms of contraception and the risks/benefits of each.

Best regards,

Dr. Downing