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Does Vaginal Bleeding Happen Due To Withdrawal Of Birth Control Pills ?
Question: Hello I am 35 years old and have been on birth control for the past 13 years with the exception of when I was pregnant with my four year old. I stopped taking the pill three months ago and I have noticed slight vaginal bleeding after a bowel movement. I am not ovulating (as determined by over the counter tests). I got off the pill for a few months approximately one year ago and the same thing as above happened and I also had long periods approximately two weeks apart. My ob put me back on the pill and said I was experiencing anovulation. I am just concerned about the vaginal spotting after a bm and I am sure it is vaginal. Thank you for your help.
Hello.
Thanks for writing to us.
Irregular vaginal spotting specially after withdrawing from the pill suggests that there is some hormonal disbalance or a cervical lesion which is causing the recurrent spotting.
But before coming to a conclusion, it would be good to know few more things which helps me in suggesting you better:
1) Are you having this bleeding with every bowel movement for the last three months?
2) Are you having a heavy bleeding during your periods?
3) Is the spotting after a bowel movement comes only on the tissue or it continues afterwards also?
4) Do you suffer with any diagnosed medical conditions?
5) Do you experience similar spotting after intercourse also?
6) What is the duration of your cycle now?
Kindly reply me with the answers as this will help me in suggesting you better.
Awaiting for your reply.
Wishing you Good health.
Regards.
Thanks for writing to us.
Irregular vaginal spotting specially after withdrawing from the pill suggests that there is some hormonal disbalance or a cervical lesion which is causing the recurrent spotting.
But before coming to a conclusion, it would be good to know few more things which helps me in suggesting you better:
1) Are you having this bleeding with every bowel movement for the last three months?
2) Are you having a heavy bleeding during your periods?
3) Is the spotting after a bowel movement comes only on the tissue or it continues afterwards also?
4) Do you suffer with any diagnosed medical conditions?
5) Do you experience similar spotting after intercourse also?
6) What is the duration of your cycle now?
Kindly reply me with the answers as this will help me in suggesting you better.
Awaiting for your reply.
Wishing you Good health.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you Doctor Tayal.
Please see the answers to your questions below:
1) I have only had the bleeding three times with a bowel movement (all three since Sunday - less than one week ago and not with every bowel movement). It appears to happen when I strain.
2) When this occurred one year ago my periods were heavy but in the past three months they have been regular.
3)The spotting is just on the tissue and there is a little staining on my underwear (very light).
4) I do not have any diagnosed medical conditions and my last pap smear (in Oct of 2010) came back normal.
5) I do not spot after intercourse.
6)My last period was XXXXXXX 18th and lasted about 5 days. Since stopping the pill, my period has been fairly regular. Every 28-30 days or so but not "like clockwork" when I was on the pill.
Thanks again,
Dana Rausch
Please see the answers to your questions below:
1) I have only had the bleeding three times with a bowel movement (all three since Sunday - less than one week ago and not with every bowel movement). It appears to happen when I strain.
2) When this occurred one year ago my periods were heavy but in the past three months they have been regular.
3)The spotting is just on the tissue and there is a little staining on my underwear (very light).
4) I do not have any diagnosed medical conditions and my last pap smear (in Oct of 2010) came back normal.
5) I do not spot after intercourse.
6)My last period was XXXXXXX 18th and lasted about 5 days. Since stopping the pill, my period has been fairly regular. Every 28-30 days or so but not "like clockwork" when I was on the pill.
Thanks again,
Dana Rausch
Hello XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing again.
It seems that you had a mild spotting only thrice that too on straining. It is a normal incidence to have a vaginal spotting on straining due to mild capillary injury as a result of pressure induced injury.
Yes we see some people who present with such spotting from vagina during stools.
There is nothing to worry. Avoid constipation as much as possible.
However It is required to have a repeat pap smear to rule out cervicitis or cervical dysplasia.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Wishing you a trouble free speedy recovery.
Thanks for writing again.
It seems that you had a mild spotting only thrice that too on straining. It is a normal incidence to have a vaginal spotting on straining due to mild capillary injury as a result of pressure induced injury.
Yes we see some people who present with such spotting from vagina during stools.
There is nothing to worry. Avoid constipation as much as possible.
However It is required to have a repeat pap smear to rule out cervicitis or cervical dysplasia.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Wishing you a trouble free speedy recovery.
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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