Mini-Pill

[Bumblelion]

After being on the pill when me and husband got married, I then had the coil fitted between DD1 and DS1 and then again between DS1 and DD2. When me and H split, I decided to have the coil removed as I seemed to be having mid-monthly bleeding and could only put it down to the coil (although I had had one before) or the stress of the split in my life - after recently had a baby too.

When I met a new man and decided to take another form of contraception (still with the aim of using a condom - just, no way, did I want another baby and just wanted extra protection), they wouldn't prescribe the "normal" pill for me as I am now 35 and a smoker.

They did prescribe the mini-pill which I have to take continuously - no break after 21 days. They said that I would either have a period or not.

Anyway, since taking this mini-pill, I seem to have been bleeding more or less continously. Not so much a "period bleed" as a "break-through-bleed", if you know what I mean. When I say continuously, I mean bleed one day, not for two, then for two, then not for one, etc. etc.

I had to have a colposcopy in August 2000 because of a "dodgy" smear but the repeat colposcopy in January last year was clear, although I still have regular (yearly) smears.

My most recent one was in March of this year and everything was fine.

I was wondering if you think there could be pre-cancerous cells that need to be checked out, because of this "bleeding", or whether it could be a side effect of the pill.

Any suggestions appreciated.

I've no idea really Bumblelion other than you really do need to get it checked out with your GP. Good luck it doesn't sound much fun at the moment.

Bumblelion - When I went on the mini pill shortly after having dd, my doctor (who is very good) when into lengthy detail about it. Apparently about a third of people who go on it have a 5 day period with 3 weeks in between, the other third have no period at all, and the other unlucky third can bleed more or less continuosly. He told me that if that applied to me to go back to see him and we could discuss further methods of contraception. So, I would guess your problems are down to the mini-pill.

Also, he said you have to make sure you take it at EXACTLY the same time every day, (I think there is about half an hour leeway each way) for it to be effective. This is definately the case as I know a number of people who were taking the mini pill and still got pregnant. So, if you really don't want another child BE CAREFUL!!! Hope this helps.

I have been on the mini-pill twice. The first time was ok, I bled continuously for the first month, but only very lightly. The second time I took it I bled very heavily for a whole month and eventually had to stop taking it.

I would say that the breakthrough bleeding is a side-effect of the pill, certainly my GP was very unconcerned when I mentioned it to her the first time. It happens with the pill, it did the same when I was on the combined pill too. It should stop after a month, but if it doesn't just have a word with your GP.

Best of luck with your new man!

Bumblelion, I've been on the mini-pill twice also. The first time I took it for 10 years (!!!) with no pregnancy scares and hardly any associated problems with it, the second time was after ds was born and I've now been taking it for about 2 years. I found the breakthrough bleeding was worst in the first few months of taking it, and then amazingly it settles down into a normal menstrual cycle. So basically I think the bleeding can be a problem for about six months or so until your system gets used to it, then (technically) everything should be ok. Having said that, of course it will not suit everybody but it's been great for me. I do remember the bleeding driving me up the wall for a little while though. DH has now had a vasectomy so I guess I'll be coming off it pretty soon... best of luck.

Hi bumblelion - I have been on the mini pill twice. The first time there were no side effects -but I got pregnant with dd! The second time I bled and bled and bled till I came off it I'm afraid. So I reckon it could be that. I too had treatment for dodgy cells just before taking it but it definitely was the pill causing the bleeding in my case... HTH

What does HTH stand for?

Hope that helps - HTH

Thanks Tinker!

I have been more or less continuously bleeding (not being too graphic, but not lots of fresh blood, more like horrible old blood) since I started taking the mini-pill. I think I will get a doctor's appointment and see if perhaps it needs changing. I must admit, I know that you need to take it within 3 hours of the due time, but I hardly ever take it exactly on the dot. Perhaps this one just doesn't agree with me.