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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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On Birth Control Pills. Continuous, Heavy Brown Discharge After Taking The Pill Late. Due For Periods In A Week. Normal?

So I've been on the birth control pill (Ortho Tri Cyclen) for about a month now, and about 5 days ago I accidentally took my pill 4 hours late.
That same day, I started getting brown discharge and i figured it was because of the late pill.
Well I'm supposed to start taking my placebo pills and start my period in 5 days, but the brown discharge is still continuous and very heavy.
Is the normal? Am I pregnant?
I would "call my doctor" but i don't know how.
Thanks in advance!
Tue, 24 Sep 2013
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OBGYN,  's  Response
Hello
Thanks for your query.
Taking just one pill 4 hours late would not affect the efficacy of the birth control pill.
It is alright to spot when on the birth control pill.
If this recurs every month, you are experiencing breakthrough bleeding.
This occurs because the dose of hormones in the pill is not adequate for you, and you must be switched over to another brand with more hormone dose.
ALso, during the first pack of pill use, a backup method like condoms is always advised.
Take a pregnancy test after a week just to be sure.
All the best.
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On Birth Control Pills. Continuous, Heavy Brown Discharge After Taking The Pill Late. Due For Periods In A Week. Normal?

Hello Thanks for your query. Taking just one pill 4 hours late would not affect the efficacy of the birth control pill. It is alright to spot when on the birth control pill. If this recurs every month, you are experiencing breakthrough bleeding. This occurs because the dose of hormones in the pill is not adequate for you, and you must be switched over to another brand with more hormone dose. ALso, during the first pack of pill use, a backup method like condoms is always advised. Take a pregnancy test after a week just to be sure. All the best.