Includes Expert Content
Birth control problems
An_247337 posted:
Good morning,
I am 28 years old, and gave birth 13 months ago (in case that is relevant : ). I have been on birth control, with the exception of the pregnancy period, for about 10 years. After giving birth, my doctor put me on Tri-Cyclen Lo. I have been getting my period one week early ever since, basically having my period for two weeks, and then getting a two week rest. I do not skip any pills (except for the week's worth of sugar pills), and take them at pretty much the same time every day. Also, not sure if it's related, but I've been exremely itchy 'down there', frequently scratching to the point of bleeding.
All this to say, all of these issues have had a negative impact on my sex life with hubby, and also, something tells me that having a period half the time can't be too healthy. My doctor doesn't seem to concerned though, but I sometimes question her competence...
Is this a hormonal issue?
Thanks in advance!
I am 28 years old, and gave birth 13 months ago (in case that is relevant : ). I have been on birth control, with the exception of the pregnancy period, for about 10 years. After giving birth, my doctor put me on Tri-Cyclen Lo. I have been getting my period one week early ever since, basically having my period for two weeks, and then getting a two week rest. I do not skip any pills (except for the week's worth of sugar pills), and take them at pretty much the same time every day. Also, not sure if it's related, but I've been exremely itchy 'down there', frequently scratching to the point of bleeding.
All this to say, all of these issues have had a negative impact on my sex life with hubby, and also, something tells me that having a period half the time can't be too healthy. My doctor doesn't seem to concerned though, but I sometimes question her competence...
Is this a hormonal issue?
Thanks in advance!
1 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Birth control problemsGood morning, <br />I am 28 years old, and gave birth 13 months ago (in case that is relevant : ). I have been on birth control, with the exception of the pregnancy period, for about 10 years. After giving birth, my doctor put me on Tri-Cyclen Lo. I have been getting my period one week early ever since, basically having my period for two weeks, and then getting a two week rest. I do not skip any pills (except for the week's worth of sugar pills), and take them at pretty much the same time every day. Also, not sure if it's related, but I've been exremely itchy 'down there', frequently scratching to the point of bleeding. <br /> <br />All this to say, all of these issues have had a negative impact on my sex life with hubby, and also, something tells me that having a period half the time can't be too healthy. My doctor doesn't seem to concerned though, but I sometimes question her competence... <br /> <br />Is this a hormonal issue? <br /> <br />Thanks in advance!
Jane Harrison Hohner, RN, RNP responded:
Dear An: The easiest question first, OK? Severe itching of the vagina and/or vulva can often be linked to a bad "yeast infection." In addition to the itching, yeast can create inflamed vaginal tissues which makes sex super uncomfortable. Some other causes of itching can include contact dermatitis (allergic response to bath product,laundry product,etc.), sanitary pad irritation, or some autoimmune conditions (eg lichen sclerosus, lichen planus) or even atopic dermatitis. You could choose to try an over the counter treatment for yeast. Consult with your pharmacist for their product recommendations--some products do not have the best anti-fungal ingredients.
In terms of the erratic bleeding pattern, breakthrough bleeding (BTB) can be a common side effect of most types of hormonal birth control (eg pills/patch/ring/shot/Mirena IUD). Among birth control pill users BTB frequently occurs after a missed or late pill. In your case it sounds like you are careful to take pills at the same time daily.
When a woman uses hormonal birth control it can make the lining of the uterus more unstable--so it is easier to have some of it begin to shed. Sometimes the lining is less stable because the hormones make the lining much thinner (actually this is good as a thin lining is a healthy lining). This is the more common reason in a longer term Pill user. Sometimes the lining is unstable because the hormones can make parts of the lining out of synch. Fortunately, having a two week period when one is using hormonal birth control is not as worrisome as a woman with a two week flow who is not using any hormones.
Bottom line, BTB on hormonal methods of birth control is a nuisance side effect. The protection from pregnancy is still in effect. If your poor cycle control persists you should return to your GYN or clinic. Often a change in the brand, or formula, of birth control pill will fix the problem. Two weeks a month of BTB is not good cycle control.
I would suggest that you go back to your OB/GYN to get checked for the cause of the vaginal itching. At that time ask her about changing to a monophasic (same dose each week) type of pill. If you had a pill which you used successfully before you could request a change back to that brand/formula.
Yours,
Jane
In terms of the erratic bleeding pattern, breakthrough bleeding (BTB) can be a common side effect of most types of hormonal birth control (eg pills/patch/ring/shot/Mirena IUD). Among birth control pill users BTB frequently occurs after a missed or late pill. In your case it sounds like you are careful to take pills at the same time daily.
When a woman uses hormonal birth control it can make the lining of the uterus more unstable--so it is easier to have some of it begin to shed. Sometimes the lining is less stable because the hormones make the lining much thinner (actually this is good as a thin lining is a healthy lining). This is the more common reason in a longer term Pill user. Sometimes the lining is unstable because the hormones can make parts of the lining out of synch. Fortunately, having a two week period when one is using hormonal birth control is not as worrisome as a woman with a two week flow who is not using any hormones.
Bottom line, BTB on hormonal methods of birth control is a nuisance side effect. The protection from pregnancy is still in effect. If your poor cycle control persists you should return to your GYN or clinic. Often a change in the brand, or formula, of birth control pill will fix the problem. Two weeks a month of BTB is not good cycle control.
I would suggest that you go back to your OB/GYN to get checked for the cause of the vaginal itching. At that time ask her about changing to a monophasic (same dose each week) type of pill. If you had a pill which you used successfully before you could request a change back to that brand/formula.
Yours,
Jane
Report This| Share this:Birth control problemsDear An: The easiest question first, OK? Severe itching of the vagina and/or vulva can often be linked to a bad "yeast infection." In addition to the itching, yeast can create inflamed vaginal tissues which makes sex super uncomfortable. Some other causes of itching can include contact dermatitis (allergic response to bath product,laundry product,etc.), sanitary pad irritation, or some autoimmune conditions (eg lichen sclerosus, lichen planus) or even atopic dermatitis. You could choose to try an over the counter treatment for yeast. Consult with your pharmacist for their product recommendations--some products do not have the best anti-fungal ingredients.<br /><br />In terms of the erratic bleeding pattern, breakthrough bleeding (BTB) can be a common side effect of most types of hormonal birth control (eg pills/patch/ring/shot/Mirena IUD). Among birth control pill users BTB frequently occurs after a missed or late pill. In your case it sounds like you are careful to take pills at the same time daily. <br /><br />When a woman uses hormonal birth control it can make the lining of the uterus more unstable--so it is easier to have some of it begin to shed. Sometimes the lining is less stable because the hormones make the lining much thinner (actually this is good as a thin lining is a healthy lining). This is the more common reason in a longer term Pill user. Sometimes the lining is unstable because the hormones can make parts of the lining out of synch. Fortunately, having a two week period when one is using hormonal birth control is not as worrisome as a woman with a two week flow who is not using any hormones.<br /><br />Bottom line, BTB on hormonal methods of birth control is a nuisance side effect. The protection from pregnancy is still in effect. If your poor cycle control persists you should return to your GYN or clinic. Often a change in the brand, or formula, of birth control pill will fix the problem. Two weeks a month of BTB is not good cycle control.<br /><br />I would suggest that you go back to your OB/GYN to get checked for the cause of the vaginal itching. At that time ask her about changing to a monophasic (same dose each week) type of pill. If you had a pill which you used successfully before you could request a change back to that brand/formula. <br /><br />Yours,<br />Jane
Featuring Experts
Jane Harrison-Hohner, RN, RNP, is a nurse practitioner and has been a practicing women's health care specialist for 15 years. She was on the facul...More
Helpful Tips
Hysterectomy
I am having heavy bleeding and sever pain with it every month that it affects my daily living when I have it I even had to drop out of ... More
Was this Helpful?
16
of
27 found this helpful
Helpful Resources
Expert Blog
Below the Belt: Women's Health - Jane Harrison-Hohner, RN, RNP
From HPV to irregular periods to PMS to fibroids, Jane Harrison-Hohner, RN, is here to share her knowledge and insight...Read More
Related News
Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Other Women's Health Information
More Related Communities
The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.
Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
About WebMD Advertise With Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy Sponsor Policy Site Map Careers Contact Us
First Aid WebMD Magazine WebMD Health Record WebMD Mobile Newsletters Dictionary Physician Directory
©2005-2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.