Brown Discharge After Restarting Birth Control Pills - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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First medication intake after discontinuation?


Hello Doctor: I previously took oral contraceptives for about six months and stopped for one month.
Then I started taking the over-the-counter contraceptive pill, Kylian, on the first day of my period on May 7 (as I had taken Kylian before).
However, as of today, May 18, I am still experiencing brown discharge.
Is this related to the contraceptive pill? Is this normal?

Sunny, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/05/18

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


Hello, the user: During the use of contraceptive pills, if menstruation or bleeding occurs, there is no need to stop taking the medication; continue to take it as scheduled.
Once the body adjusts to the contraceptive pills, abnormal bleeding should cease.
However, if irregular bleeding persists for more than three months or if there is heavy bleeding, it is advisable to consult a physician.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.
Dr.
Chang

Reply Date: 2022/05/18

More Info


When restarting birth control pills, it is not uncommon to experience some irregular bleeding or spotting, which can manifest as brown discharge. This brown discharge is often old blood that is being expelled from the body, and it can occur for several reasons related to hormonal fluctuations caused by the introduction of synthetic hormones in the birth control pills.

Firstly, when you restart taking birth control pills like "Chirian," your body may need some time to adjust to the hormones again. After a month of stopping the pills, your hormonal levels would have changed, and the reintroduction of hormones can cause your body to react in various ways. The brown discharge you are experiencing could be a result of this adjustment period. It is not unusual for women to experience spotting or breakthrough bleeding during the first few months of starting or restarting hormonal contraceptives.

Moreover, the timing of your pill intake is crucial. If you have missed any doses or have not taken the pills consistently at the same time each day, this could also lead to irregular bleeding. It is essential to take the pills as directed to maintain stable hormone levels in your body. If you have been diligent about taking your pills correctly and are still experiencing brown discharge, it may simply be a side effect of the hormonal changes.

In some cases, brown discharge can also indicate the onset of your period, especially if it occurs towards the end of your pill pack. Birth control pills often regulate menstrual cycles, and the brown discharge could be a sign that your body is preparing for a withdrawal bleed, which is the period-like bleeding that occurs during the placebo week of the pill pack.

However, if the brown discharge persists for an extended period, or if you experience other concerning symptoms such as heavy bleeding, severe pain, or any signs of infection (such as a foul odor or unusual discharge), it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider. They may want to rule out other potential causes of abnormal bleeding, such as infections, polyps, or other underlying health issues.

In summary, experiencing brown discharge after restarting birth control pills is generally considered normal and is often related to hormonal adjustments. It is important to monitor your symptoms and maintain consistent pill-taking habits. If you have any concerns or if the discharge continues, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance. They can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and current health status.

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