What Does this Bleeding Mean?
Question
My husband and I have just recently begun to try to get pregnant. I was taking birth control pills, we then switched to condoms up until two months ago when we decided to try to get pregnant. I have been experiencing some light spotting about 5-7 days before my period begins since I quit taking the pill. It is sometimes a little heavier when I push to have a bowel movement. When I am done it returns to light spotting. The blood is coming from my vagina. I do have a normal period lasting 6-7 days after this spotting. My periods are not extremely heavy. They are just normal. They occur every 30-35 days. What is causing this and can it affect my fertility? Deseri
Answer
Last Updated: December 11, 2014
Dear Deseri,
It can sometimes take three cycles before a normally fertile couple conceives a child. I am concerned about the 5-7 days of light spotting before you menstruate. This might indicate a hormone imbalance in the cycle that was just ending (the one that you were trying to conceive in) and could be problematic if you should become pregnant, increasing your risk for miscarriage.
You didn’t mention how long you were on the BCP. It can take up to a year before the pill’s effect is gone and you have a normal cycle again with good hormone support and ovulation. It has been more than a year for you. So a good health exam is necessary.
I would recommend that you learn about your fertility from a Natural Family Planning teacher. You can find one in your area from this website. You will then be able to monitor, evaluate and maintain your reproductive health so you can have a family. Your NFP provider can also recommend a Natural Family Planning Medical doctor. It would be important to see an NFP doctor before you try to become pregnant.
The length of 30-35 days for a cycle length is fine.
I hope you can resolve your concerns quickly.
Yours, Judy Wilmurt
It can sometimes take three cycles before a normally fertile couple conceives a child. I am concerned about the 5-7 days of light spotting before you menstruate. This might indicate a hormone imbalance in the cycle that was just ending (the one that you were trying to conceive in) and could be problematic if you should become pregnant, increasing your risk for miscarriage.
You didn’t mention how long you were on the BCP. It can take up to a year before the pill’s effect is gone and you have a normal cycle again with good hormone support and ovulation. It has been more than a year for you. So a good health exam is necessary.
I would recommend that you learn about your fertility from a Natural Family Planning teacher. You can find one in your area from this website. You will then be able to monitor, evaluate and maintain your reproductive health so you can have a family. Your NFP provider can also recommend a Natural Family Planning Medical doctor. It would be important to see an NFP doctor before you try to become pregnant.
The length of 30-35 days for a cycle length is fine.
I hope you can resolve your concerns quickly.
Yours, Judy Wilmurt
Answered By:
Judy Wilmurt
Judy Wilmurt, Professional Member of CANFP, and past member of the Executive Board, taught the Creighton Model FertilityCare System of NFP in the Oakland region, wherre she resides with her husband Eric.
