Break Through bleeding?

Question

In regards to my last question (http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=ArBpCnytsEZQ4wUcL1b5O03sy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20071123235259AAKteGN)

how often would breakthrough bleeding occure. I'm mainly interested in the fact that if this is happening, i might not be protected from pregnancy, and need to know if i have to be extra careful.

Answer 1

An obvious cause of breakthrough bleeding is missing pills (that is if you are using birth control pills, which I'm assuming you are). I have experienced breakthrough bleeding on the pill many, many times myself. Over 80% of women will have some bleeding that are similar to that of a full period by the time 3 pills are missed.

However, the most common cause of bleeding on oral contraceptives is unknown. It is believed to be due to atrophic bleeding due to low estrogen. The lining of the uterus, endometrium, is quite thin and subject to abrasion even from normal activity. Also, cigarette smoking has been known to be associated with anti-estrogen effects. Studies have shown differences in breakthrough bleeding rates in the first 3 months of women starting birth control pills ranging from 10%-55%. The longer you take the pill the intermenstrual bleeding rate drops to about 10-15% in the 4th and subsequent cycles.

Intermenstrual bleeding (breakthrough bleeding as a recurrent problem) decreases from 0.5% to 0.3% in women who have been on oral contraceptives over some period of time. The best treatment in the first 3 cycles of pill use is reassurance that the bleeding problems are likely to decrease and disappear with continued use.

I would recommend that you consult with your doctor and tell him/her about your bleeding so that he/she could evaluate the situation as they might have to change you to another birth control pill.

Good luck :)

Answer 2

Breakthrough bleeding can occur because the amount of hormone in the particular brand of birth control pill being used may not be enough for the body to handle.

It can occur for other reasons such as infection. The only way to find out for sure what is going on is to see your doctor for further evaluation of the situation to see what they think is going on.

Answer 3

Yes anytime breakthrough bleeding occurs it could mean you need a stonger pill and that theres a increased risk for pregnancy.The breakthrough bleeding can occur at diffrent times and varies how long it can last.Untill you talk to your gyno I would use a back up method such as condoms.