Always breakthrough bleeding

[redfox14]

Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this or has found a “fix” for it. I’m on the contraceptive pill and have been since I was about 16, now 29. I’ve been on a few different pills over the years, but have always experienced breakthrough bleeding while taking my pills. Most of the time it’s moderate like a light period, but sometimes it can be really heavy. Then when I have my 7 day break I obviously bleed again. The breakthrough bleeding usually starts about a week into my pill pack and can last up until I’ve stopped my 7 day “break” so there have been times where I’m bleeding for two or three weeks.

I’ve been to the GP so many times about this and they always just ask if I want to change pills or try a different method of contraception. Changing pill hasn’t helped, after I had DD two years ago I was recommended to try the implant by my midwife because she said that could stop me from bleeding altogether. While I was on the implant I bled so heavily and without a break that the GP told me to go back on the pill, whilst still having the implant, to control the bleeding. I’ve since had the implant removed and now just take the contraceptive pill.

I’m so frustrated that the GP just keeps dismissing it as a heavy period, when I’m bleeding not only when I shouldn’t be (whilst taking the pill) but also for such a long time. My smear tests have come back normal but I do have a family history of cervical cancer and I’m so worried that this is just being brushed under the rug.

Has anyone else had a similar experience or found a method of contraception that helps?

You need to come off the pill if it’s causing the bleeding, and try another form of contraception. There is more than just the implant. What about the copper IUD? No hormones.

I have tried the implant, but that also made me bleed non-stop and I don’t want the coil. When I’ve discussed it with my GP these are the only options they’ve really suggested to me.

my guess would be it’s the hormones that are making you bleed, unfortunately the copper IUD is the only non hormonal method unless you want to just use condoms

I had a similar issue, tried all the different contraceptives, only the copper coil was suitable as non hormonal. I know it hurts to get out in, but you can go private to get a general anesthetic or have your name put on the waiting list for a GA. I did that a few months back and I’m going in for it next month.

Get it in*

Ah I see! Yeah the thought of having the coil fitted absolutely fills me with dread, I think I would need a GA. DH and I have spoken about TTC in the next couple of years which also puts me off having the coil because I know I’d want it taking out again sooner than later.

Were you ever told what exactly it was about the hormones in the pill that was making you bleed? Like too much estrogen/progesterone etc?

The GP couldnt tell for sure, could be one or the other. But I also have PCOS so maybe something to do with that condition. I would get your name put down for a GA, tell them you would also need one for removal, and then if you change your mind you can back out. The waiting list is around 4-5 months.

I’m having the same issue with HRT, an almost constant light bleed. Barely there, but still enough to put me off dtd.

Dra have no idea what to suggest other than stop HRT which I’m not prepared to do.