Ask An Expert: I Skipped A Pill & Now Experiencing Vaginal Bleeding. Is This Normal?

Our team of seasoned experts answer all your questions on pregnancy, delivery, children and women’s health, sexuality education and more.

Q: I skipped one of my birth control pills and a day after, started experiencing vaginal bleeding. Is this normal?

Dr. Alex Kaoranu Molukwu (OB/GYN) says:

Several women voluntarily use contraception for medical or socio-economic reasons. We appreciate that the ideal contraceptive method is simple, acceptable, effective, safe and economical.

“I skipped one of my birth control pills,” you stated. It seems you deliberately missed one tablet or just forgot to take the pill? You did not mention your age and the type of pill you are taking.

I suppose you are worried because of your unexpected experience, namely vaginal bleeding. This is simply due to your skipped pill, and your experience is normal for skipping the pill. Information of where you were in the pack at the time you skipped the pill is important in advising you vis-à-vis the next plan – what you should do.

The critical time for loss of contraceptive protection is when a pill is omitted at the beginning or end of a cycle, which lengthens the pill-free interval.

If a woman forgets to take a pill, it should be taken as soon as she remembers and the next one taken at the normal time even if this means taking two pills together, or two pills a day.

Q: I started taking birth control pills about two years ago after my third child. Then, I thought I was through with making babies. I’ve stopped taking the pills for over 8 months now and I still haven’t conceived. Please what could have gone wrong?

Dr. Alex Kaoranu Molukwu (OB/GYN) says:

For several years now, a considerable effort has been expanded in the field of contraceptive research to find the elusive, ideal contraceptive agent that is safe, effective and lacking in side-effects.

Part of the side- effect is a reversible inhibition of menstruation and ovulation.

Please avoid self medication. You may wish to see your gynaecologist as soon as possible for a detailed history, physical examination, appropriate investigations and need for ovulation induction if there is need for one now.