Does it matter if I do not see a period whilst taking the combined oral contraceptive pill?
A withdrawal bleed ('period' whilst taking the combined oral contraceptive pill) does not have to occur with every pill-free interval. Provided you have taken the combined oral contraceptive pill correctly, a pregnancy is very unlikely. If you do not see a withdrawal bleed it usually means that the lining of your womb is not building up sufficiently to result in a bleed. This reflects the way that the womb is responding to the combined oral contraceptive pill and does not indicate what will happen when the combined oral contraceptive pill is stopped if you wish to have a baby. From the medical point of view there is no reason to change the combined oral contraceptive pill if the problem continues and there is no need to run any tests.
If you are unhappy that you do not see a withdrawal bleed, a different pill may suit you better. One of the phasic pills (Table 16.2) could be tried if you are on a monophasic variety
A girl of 13 had extremely heavy and painful periods which were controlled for two years with a monophasic pill (Microgynon). At the age of sixteen she returned to my clinic as she kept missing withdrawal bleeds. She had not started sexual activity but was worried that she would lose her fertility. We reassured her that medically there was no anxiety. After discussion she was started on a phasic pill (Trinovum) and withdrawal bleeds occurred.
Some women find that when they stop the combined oral contraceptive pill they do not see their periods. Until twenty years ago this was called 'post-pill amenorrhoea'. Research then showed that, with few exceptions, patients with amenorrhoea after discontinuing the combined oral contraceptive pill had infrequent or absent periods before they commenced the combined oral contraceptive pill. The pill had simply masked an underlying problem and was not the cause.
Please click on the required question.
- 1 What are the different types of combined oral contraceptive pills?
- 1a What is the new Evra Patch?
- 2 What are the benefits and problems of the phasic pills?
- 3 How will my doctor help me to decide which is likely to be the best pill for me?
- 4 Whilst I am taking the combined oral contraceptive pill, what monitoring should I receive?
- 5 A member of my family has a history of a deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (thromboembolism). Should I have a screening blood test?
- 6 Does an aeroplane journey increase the risks of taking the combined oral contraceptive pill?
- 7 Are there times when the combined oral contraceptive pill should be prescribed only with special caution?
- 8 Are there any contraindications to taking the combined oral contraceptive pill?
- 9 On which day of my menstrual cycle should I start my first course of the combined oral contraceptive pill?
- 10 Can I start the combined oral contraceptive pill whilst I am breast-feeding?
- 11 Can I take the combined oral contraceptive pill if I have had episodes when I did not see my periods (amenorrhoea)
- 12 Can I start the combined oral contraceptive pill if I am not currently seeing my periods?
- 13 Does it matter if I do not see a period whilst taking the combined oral contraceptive pill?
- 14 What is the advice when my changing pill preparation?
- 15 What should be done if breakthrough bleeding occurs whilst I am taking the combined oral contraceptive pill?
- 16 Can my pill withdrawal bleed be planned to avoid weekends?
- 17 Can I take the combined oral contraceptive pill without a seven-day pill-free gap?
- 18 What should be done if a pill is missed?
- 19 Could I conceive whilst I am taking the combined oral contraceptive pill?
- 20 Can combined oral contraceptive pills interact with other medication?
- 21 I am taking the combined oral contraceptive pill. Will this reduce my future fertility?
- 22 I have been on the combined oral contraceptive pill for sometime. Is there any need to take a break from it?
- 23 I am due to have an operation. Should I stop taking my pill?
- 24 What is the advice with regard to third generation combined oral contraceptive pills?
- 25 Until what age can I take the combined oral contraceptive pill?
- 26 I have taken the combined oral contraceptive pill. Will this change the time when I will go through the menopause?
- 27 I am taking the combined oral contraceptive pill. How will I know if I have reached my menopause?
- 28 In what circumstances should the combined oral contraceptive pill be stopped immediately?
- 29 What symptoms are commonly associated with taking the oral contraceptive pill?
- 30 Should the combined oral contraceptive pill be discontinued if I develop headaches?
- 31 If I have varicose veins can I take the combined oral contraceptive pill?
- 32 I have developed vomiting and diarrhoea. How does this affect my pill taking?
- 33 How long before starting a pregnancy should I stop taking the combined oral contraceptive pill?
- 34 Family Planning Support Groups.
- 35 Support Groups.
Thank you for choosing to visit us.
This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Whipps Cross University Hospital, London - Specialist Interests - Reproductive Medicine including Infertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause and HRT.
I do hope that you find the answers to your women's health questions in the patient information and medical advice provided.
