Need To Postpone Periods Using Pills. Worried About Breakthrough Bleeding Or Spotting. Help?
I am wanting to delay my period using the pill (rigevidon) by missing the 7 day break and withdrawal bleed which falls inconveniently on this weekend for which I have an important event, however, I am also going on holiday in ten days. I am worried that missing my period now will lead to breakthrough bleeding or spotting whilst on holiday which would be very inconvenient, how likely is this and how heavy would it be? Therefore am I okay to take the new pack until Monday, then stop taking the pack to have my period in the five days before my holiday? Would it work like that?
Thank you, XXXXXXX
Thanks for posting on XXXXXXX
Let me start by letting you know that breakthrough bleeding is a form of vaginal bleeding, usually referring to mid-cycle bleeding in users of combined oral contraceptives; as attributed to insufficient estrogens. It is an abnormal per vaginal bleeding/metrorrhagia.
The bleeding is usually light, often referred to as "spotting," though a few women may experience heavier bleeding. Many women find that the breakthrough bleeding ceases after one or two cycles.
It is often caused by abnormal thickening of the endometrium (which is not a XXXXXXX condition) but the unpredictable bleeding and at times out of control (lenghty periods) can at times be problematic. Breakthrough bleeding is most common when a woman first begins taking oral contraceptives, or changes from one particular oral contraceptive to another, though it is possible for breakthrough bleeding to happen at any time. Breakthrough bleeding that does not resolve on its own is a common reason for women to switch to different pill formulations, or to switch to a non-hormonal method of birth control.
But to answer your question, it would not be possible to predict what will happen to you. You should also understand that this is a side effect and must not necessarily occur to you. So, you will have not choice but to prepare your pads in case of bleeding.
Hope this helps and if wish to ask more questions, please feel free to email.
Dr. Nsah