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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does Changing Birth Control Pills Cause Spotting And Irregular Periods?

I switched to a new birth control pill on November 9, when I had my last menstrual period. I was supposed to start my period this past Monday, but I haven t had a full period. My husband and I had intercourse Sunday night, after which, I had some spotting and thought that was my period. However, I didn t bleed again after that. Could I be pregnant, or is it just a side effect of changing birth control pills?
posted on Tue, 15 Dec 2015
Twitter Fri, 8 Jan 2016 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 8 Jan 2016 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for posting in HCM.
Changing birth control pills could cause spotting and irregular bleeding. This can happen when the composition and strength of birth control pills are different. Hence, during this time, it is advisable to use other means of protection like condoms and spermicidal gents for a week to ten days from the time of changing to ensure protection.
It is difficult to predict weather the spotting could be due to implantation bleed or due to change in the birth control pills.
Kindly wait for periods to happen this time. In case it is delayed, get a urine pregnancy test done and consult Gynecologist for evaluation and further management.
Hope the information provided would be helpful.
All the best.
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Does Changing Birth Control Pills Cause Spotting And Irregular Periods?

Hi, Thanks for posting in HCM. Changing birth control pills could cause spotting and irregular bleeding. This can happen when the composition and strength of birth control pills are different. Hence, during this time, it is advisable to use other means of protection like condoms and spermicidal gents for a week to ten days from the time of changing to ensure protection. It is difficult to predict weather the spotting could be due to implantation bleed or due to change in the birth control pills. Kindly wait for periods to happen this time. In case it is delayed, get a urine pregnancy test done and consult Gynecologist for evaluation and further management. Hope the information provided would be helpful. All the best.