I've been on the birth control pill Ocella since December of 2013. I take it farily consistently at 3:30pm every afternoon. Since last Wednesday (5/13) I have been spotting, light brown discharge but also some heavier red occasionally-- i think because I had taken my pill a few hours late some days (around 5 or 6) since this has happened before. That was still while I was on my 3rd week of active pills. Then on Monday (5/18), which was supposed to be the start of my placebo pills, I had skipped these inactive pills and started a new pack of active pills, at 11am instead, because I wanted to stop bleeding and not have my period this week, which is supposed to happen this Friday (5/22). But I haven't stopped spotting at all since last week. Now I'm worried because I skipped my placebo week and went straight to a new pack of active pills, I won't stop spotting. I'm on the third day of active pills for the 1st week of this pack and have been taking to consistently at 11am. Can someone explain to me what's going on and why I won't stop spotting? Is there a chance I will have my period Friday or just continue to spotting until my next month's period?
Skipped my placebo pills and went straight to new pack of active pills?
Question posted by champion1001 on 20 May 2015
Last updated on 12 March 2019 by Gcastro9104
3 Answers
I am going through the exact same thing! I skipped the placebo pills and took a new pack. Now on my 2nd week and still bleeding. Wondering how to make the spotting stop or how long it will last. I was hoping not to be bleeding by the weekend (it is now Tuesday). I plan on finishing the pack and letting my withdrawal bleeding happen, then going off the pills.
I have known many women who have not taken the placebo pills, to not have a period. But they had discussed it with their Dr. Prior to doing so.
First, if you have a 12 month prescription you will run out early. This way the Dr can get your insurance to cover more.
Second, your cycle may be kinda wacky for a while. Or it could go as planned. Evidently yours didn't go as planned. Only time will tell. Every body is different.
If this was just a one time thing, let your Dr know anyways. If you decide you want to keep skipping the placebo pills, please talk to your Dr. It may seem minor, but one major side effects from Birth control is blood clots, leading to strokes, cardiac arrest and brain aneurysms! Always read the booklet that comes with your pills.
Sometimes skipping placebo pills will stop your period and sometimes it doesnt. There is really no explanation other than your body is releasing this blood and tissue. It may stop or you may spot here and there until you have a full period. Dont alter your pill schedule now though. Keep on taking the active pills but be sure to take the next break week. If you try to stop now, you wont be protected so you are just going to have to ride this one out to the finish.
Oh thank you! That makes sense. Is there any way to stop the spotting though? Today it's been much heavjer, almost like a light period, so I'm just confused if it's just spotting or if I'm having my regular period. I just want to be able to not spot the next few weeks for while I'm vacation, what can I do to stop it? I don't mind not being protected for a week if that's going to clear up my spotting, I just don't think I can go a month until my next period randomly spotting at times
Related topics
ocella, birth control, contraception, discharge, spotting, birth control pills, pill, placebo
Further information
- Ocella uses and safety info
- Ocella prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Ocella (detailed)
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