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Reproductive Health
Menopause & HRT
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)
Women's Cancers
Contraception
Thrush and Candida
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The Pill and Depo chat
continued from page 1
Breakthrough bleeding
Q: I've recently changed the Pill I am taking from Microgynon (which I was on for just over three years) to Eugynon. For the last year I've experienced spotting and bleeding in the seven days leading up to my 'Pill-free week'. It didn't cause physical problems, but it was a bit of a pain. Is this something I should be worried about?
psc_loves_her_moosey
A: Although breakthrough bleeding can occur 'normally' during the first couple of months of being on the Pill, it is a sign that you are not getting a high enough dose of hormones. If this continues, it may increase your chance of an unplanned pregnancy. You must mention it to your doctor, as you probably need either a different blend of hormones, or a slightly higher dose of your current blend. Your doctor is in the best position to decide whether to change your prescription, or to 'wait-and-see'. If it is vital that you do not get pregnant in the meantime, you might want to either abstain or use condoms just in case to be doubly safe.
Periods after the Depo injection
Q: My periods still haven't returned after coming off Depo just under two years ago (I took it for five years). I now want to start trying for a baby. Is there an average time for them to return and when they do return does this mean fertility should be back to 'normal'? I was referred to a gynae by my GP who would not do anything about it. The leaflet I was given when I first had the Depo says that things should be back to normal after six months.
tractorgirl2004
A: As the injection is a slow-release preparation, it does not stop acting immediately three months after the last jab. Research suggests that women trying to conceive after stopping Depo take at least four months longer to become pregnant compared with women stopping other methods of contraception. In some cases, fertility may take up to a year or longer to return. As you have been off Depo for 21 months, it is likely that the lack of periods is due to another cause, which needs to be investigated. As a GP I would have referred you too - and would have been surprised by the consultant's response. Try going back to your GP and seeing whether he/she is willing to refer you again.
Breakthrough bleeding
Q: I've recently changed the Pill I am taking from Microgynon (which I was on for just over three years) to Eugynon. For the last year I've experienced spotting and bleeding in the seven days leading up to my 'Pill-free week'. It didn't cause physical problems, but it was a bit of a pain. Is this something I should be worried about?
psc_loves_her_moosey
A: Although breakthrough bleeding can occur 'normally' during the first couple of months of being on the Pill, it is a sign that you are not getting a high enough dose of hormones. If this continues, it may increase your chance of an unplanned pregnancy. You must mention it to your doctor, as you probably need either a different blend of hormones, or a slightly higher dose of your current blend. Your doctor is in the best position to decide whether to change your prescription, or to 'wait-and-see'. If it is vital that you do not get pregnant in the meantime, you might want to either abstain or use condoms just in case to be doubly safe.
Periods after the Depo injection
Q: My periods still haven't returned after coming off Depo just under two years ago (I took it for five years). I now want to start trying for a baby. Is there an average time for them to return and when they do return does this mean fertility should be back to 'normal'? I was referred to a gynae by my GP who would not do anything about it. The leaflet I was given when I first had the Depo says that things should be back to normal after six months.
tractorgirl2004
A: As the injection is a slow-release preparation, it does not stop acting immediately three months after the last jab. Research suggests that women trying to conceive after stopping Depo take at least four months longer to become pregnant compared with women stopping other methods of contraception. In some cases, fertility may take up to a year or longer to return. As you have been off Depo for 21 months, it is likely that the lack of periods is due to another cause, which needs to be investigated. As a GP I would have referred you too - and would have been surprised by the consultant's response. Try going back to your GP and seeing whether he/she is willing to refer you again.
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