[kitsune13]

Hi, I have been on Alesse for 5 months now and my period is due for next week on Friday. I am sexually active and yesterday I had a bit of spotting (maroon/brown coloured) and spotting today as well. It is lighter today and there is some specks in the discharge(?). A week ago, I took my pill 2 hours later than usual but I normally take it within 30 minutes of my pill time. I know it is normal to spot within the first few months of starting the pill but it is now the fifth month and I don't believe I was spotting last month. I'm not sure if I normally spot because I took Plan B once in the first month and once in the second month (mainly due to my paranoia). I did spot in the third month, however, and did not take Plan B. My partner sometimes wears a condom and sometimes he does not (he does withdraw every time).

I'm aware that spotting could be from taking my pill late (but will it result even if I take one pill 2 hours later?), stress, hitting my cervix during sexual intercourse, etc. Could it also be implantation bleeding?

Thanks!

[Ashlee T.]

Taking your pill even a few hours later than normal on one day should not cause you to ovulate, and therefore, potentially get pregnant. On your packet it probably says if you miss one days pill, take two the next day but consider yourself still protected. If you miss two days of your pill, you have to start a new pack and should use extra protection throughout the next full pack.

Spotting while on the pill is not abnormal. Frustrating, yes. When I was taking the pill, I had mine switched no telling how many times for things like spotting. If it persists in to your next cycle or two, you may want to consider getting your pill switched.

[kitsune13]

Hi, thanks for replying. I will look into that if my spotting persists.

Just a little update, my spotting has seemed to get heavier (just enough to fill a pad but no clots, etc.) and has turned from brown to red (during sex, so we stopped immediately in case it was bruising). I have very light cramping or just uncomfortable airy feeling in stomach/bladder area. Does spotting/breakthrough bleeding commonly occur precisely one week before the period begins?

[Amandolyn]

I have had this problem on a couple different types of BC pills. I don't remember the first stuff I was on but it made me bleed for up to three weeks at a time! The most recent BC I was on before the IUD was Norinyl 1+35; it gave me "maroon/brown colored" bleeding at about two weeks before my regular period for about 4 or 5 days. Needless to say, it's annoying. Anyway, I was informed that breakthrough bleeding happens when the hormones are not strong enough. You may need to ask for a stronger pill as long as the current dosage of hormones isn't causing significant side effects (e.g. pimples, weight gain, mood swings, etc.) Of course these side effects commonly accompany BC pills but as long as they're not already overwhelming you should be fine being put on something stronger. Good luck!