Inter-menstrual bleeding?

[YouDontKnowMeFromAdam]

On microgynon. Couple months ago had pinking spotting on one occasion. Neg HPt, was prompted to go for overdue smear - came back NAD.

Now second occasion of bleeding, worse than lst time but still only pink/red smearing...

Hormonal imbalance due to pill? Should I change it? Slight spanner is DH suggesting another baby (and I'm not completely against the idea) so any suggesting of changing pill leads to... how about no pill...?

Any suggestions of how to proceed gratefully received.

Bit of breakthrough bleeding is common with most pills, and often settles down. Sometimes caused by a cervical erosion due to the hormones. does sex seem to trigger the bleeding/spotting?

I took microgynon for years and found it was the very good for bleeding generally and didn't get spotting even when taking 2/3 packs in a row.

If its bothering you a lot you could try a different pill as sometimes need to try a few to get the one that suits you best, think I have had at least 4 brands so far

I've been on various different pills with breaks for 3 DC for about 15 years and have never had any breakthrough bleeding, including when in younger years used to always take several packets in a row.

Sex hasn't been a trigger for these 2 episodes. Am more than happy to consider brand change as not only obvious answer but also have some acne recently that I'd mentally agreed to wait until next pill-check then demand a change.

I think I've had mocrogynon in the past, and have been on jit since birth of last DC nearly 2 years ago. I'm approaching 35 - could my age be a factor in why it's suddenly becoming a (slight) problem?

bump

Last bump.

But yes, I suppose there's not that much to say. My main question really is, if smear test was ok, then does new spotting actually matter? Do I need to go to GP or just wait until my next prescription in 4 months?

Hi again, if you've had a recent smear that was fine and no other major problems, I don't think it would be harmful to leave it.

But if you are have more acne too I would see the GP sooner, or a FPC would probably be better if you can, as they tend to be better aware of all the different options/subtle differences between brands IME.

I loved microgynon tbh, would still be on it now if wasn't breastfeeding. I have gone for a Mirena for now which seems fine, even though I could never tolerate the side effects with progesterone only pills. hth

The only issue with break through bleeding could be that the hormone strength is not right for you-it is not controlling your cycle enough, and maybe not 100% effective?

If you def don't want to be PG then see your GP - if you are not bothered, then wait.

Thank you moaningminnie and purplepeony, I'll have a think, but it's reassuring that it looks like there aren't any srious causes I've overlooked. Good thought that if the hormone levels aren't quite right contraception may not be so good.

A smear test is not a test for all gynae problems. It is a screening test for cervical pre-cancerous changes. If you're having IMB and have done on a few occasions, ie it's unusual for you then you should go to your GP.
It may well be hormone change related but a smear test is not a universal answer for any possible problem in the female genital tract.
I'm not saying it is anything to be concerned about - as the other posters said it could be that a change of contraceptive pill might be indicated but it's probably worth having a chat at the practice.

Thanks Bela. I wasn't thinking the clear smear was excluding all sorts of things, I was pleased loads of people hadn't come on and said "I had that and it turned out to be Get thee to a GP ASAP".

I know random unqualified strangers on an internet forum can't tell it's ok or not, but I was somewhat reassured that I hadn't overlooked some bleeding (ha!) obvious thing which "everyone knows causes this" and I'd just forgotton about it.

Thank you again Bela and everyone for your help

I would second BelaLugosisVampireReindeer and have a chat to either your GP or family planning clinic about it - wherever you get your pills or feel most comfortable. With any irregular bleeding, the top three things to rule out are: Smear test up-to-date (which you've already done), pregnancy test to ensure no risk of you being pregnant already, and infection testing. If all of those things are ruled out by the clinic, then they would probably suggest a pill brand change - often at some point, quite randomly, your body just decides it needs a change, and Microgynon is very low dose. If the bleeding continues after this then usually a gynae referral is recommended, but it doesn't normally get to that stage, so don't worry. HTH!

Mama, that's very helpful, thank you. I think my body randomly fancies a change.