Menstrual Delay with Birth Control Pills: Your Questions Answered

Contraceptive pill delay in menstruation?

Hello, Doctor.
I was originally scheduled to have my period on March 2nd, but due to some circumstances, I chose to use the Yaz contraceptive pill to delay my menstruation.
I have been taking Yaz as a preemptive measure.
I finished one pack on the 25th and started the next pack on the 26th with the active pills.
You advised me to finish this new pack and then stop taking the pills to allow my period to come.
However, I suddenly experienced bleeding on the evening of March 6th, and it has continued until today, March 12th.
I visited a gynecologist on March 7th, and the doctor mentioned that the bleeding might be due to the contraceptive pill not being able to delay my period.
He performed an ultrasound and said it looked like menstruation.
He suggested that I could finish this pack of pills and then stop to allow my period to come, which means I would have my period again in about 20 days.
He advised that I should start a new pack on the first day of my next period.
Is this correct?
I would like to ask if I have not missed any doses of the contraceptive pill, does that mean I have been protected against pregnancy during this period of delay? However, I have been feeling dizzy and nauseous; could this be due to the bleeding? How long is the bleeding likely to last? Is there still a possibility of pregnancy? If so, what is the likelihood?

Nìngmíng, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/03/12

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

I was originally supposed to get my period on March 2nd, but due to some circumstances, I chose to delay it using the contraceptive pill Yaz.
I have been taking Yaz as a preemptive measure, and I finished one pack on the 25th.
I started the next pack immediately on the 26th with the active pills.
The doctor advised me to finish this new pack and then stop taking the pills to allow my period to come.
However, I suddenly experienced bleeding on the night of March 6th, and it has continued until today, March 12th.
I visited a gynecologist on March 7th, and the doctor mentioned that the contraceptive pill might not be able to delay my period.
He performed an ultrasound and said it looked like my period.
He suggested that I could finish this pack of pills and then stop to let my period come, which would mean I would have my period again in about 20 days, and to start a new pack on the first day of my next period.
Is this correct?
Answer: Yes, that is correct.
I would like to ask, since I have not missed any doses of my contraceptive pills, does that mean I had contraceptive protection during the period I was trying to delay?
Answer: Yes, you had contraceptive protection, but I have been feeling dizzy and nauseous.
Is this due to the bleeding?
Answer: No, the dizziness and nausea are not caused by the bleeding; they are side effects of using Yaz to delay your period.
How long is this bleeding likely to last?
Answer: The bleeding will likely continue for a while, indicating that using Yaz to delay your period may not be suitable.
Is there still a possibility of pregnancy? What is the likelihood?
Answer: There is no possibility of pregnancy.

Reply Date: 2019/03/12

More Info

When it comes to understanding menstrual delays while on birth control pills, it's essential to consider several factors that can influence your cycle and overall health. Based on your situation, it seems you have been using the contraceptive pill "Yaz" (悦姿) to delay your period, and you have experienced unexpected bleeding after starting the new pack. Let's break down your concerns and provide clarity.

Firstly, it's important to understand how birth control pills work. They contain hormones that regulate your menstrual cycle by preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and thinning the uterine lining. When taken correctly, these pills are highly effective at preventing pregnancy. However, individual responses to hormonal contraceptives can vary significantly. Some women may experience breakthrough bleeding, especially when they first start taking the pill or if they change their regimen, such as trying to delay their period.

In your case, the bleeding you experienced starting on March 6 could be classified as breakthrough bleeding rather than a full menstrual period. This is not uncommon when using hormonal contraceptives, especially if you have been taking them continuously without a break. The fact that your doctor performed an ultrasound and suggested that the bleeding looked like a menstrual period indicates that your body may be reacting to the hormonal changes.
Regarding your question about the effectiveness of the pill during this time, as long as you have taken your pills consistently and correctly, you should still have contraceptive protection. The hormones in the pills work to prevent ovulation, and unless you missed any doses, the likelihood of pregnancy remains low. However, if you have concerns about potential pregnancy, consider taking a home pregnancy test or consulting your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

The symptoms you described, such as dizziness and nausea, could be related to several factors. Hormonal fluctuations from the pill can cause side effects, including nausea and mood changes. Additionally, if you are experiencing bleeding, it could lead to some temporary changes in your body that might make you feel unwell. If these symptoms persist or worsen, it would be wise to discuss them with your healthcare provider.

As for the duration of the bleeding, it can vary from person to person. Breakthrough bleeding can last a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on how your body adjusts to the hormonal changes. If the bleeding continues for an extended period or if you experience heavy bleeding, it's crucial to seek medical advice.

In summary, while using birth control pills like Yaz can effectively delay your period, individual responses can vary, leading to breakthrough bleeding and other side effects. Your contraceptive protection should remain intact as long as you have taken your pills correctly. If you have ongoing concerns about your symptoms or the bleeding, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice and support. They can help you navigate your options and ensure your reproductive health is managed effectively.

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