Withdrawal bleeding (new to BCP)

Question

I'm new to birth control pills so I have a few questions. I'm currently finishing my second month of birth control pills (Ortho Tri-Cyclen). I'm a Sunday starter, so I started taking the pills the Sunday after my period began (Thursday). My period normally lasts six days.

It was my first month and I started having spotting and light bleeding a week after I began taking the pills. Again, I was already on my period, but my period was already starting to go away as I took the pill on the fourth day of my period.

About a week after the light spotting, I began heavy bleeding. The discharge was dark brown, almost black (end of period looking discharge), and lasted about another week. Towards the end of that week, the bleeding became more reddish before it completely stopped.

I understand that it was most likely withdrawal bleeding but I heard that it normally lasts a week, not two. Could all of that have happened because my body was adjusting to the hormones?

Also, I'm on the second day of my placebo (green) pills and I haven't gotten my withdrawal bleeding. I had unprotected s*x three days ago so I'm a little worried about pregnancy. I've taken my pills at the exact time every day and haven't missed a single one since I use an alarm. I'm someone who worries excessively so I came here to ask whether or not withdrawal bleeding occurs as soon as you're off the active pills.

Answer 1

It usually takes about two to three days of your placebo pills for your "period" (actual withdrawal bleeding, I'm so glad you know this!) to start. Since you're just starting BC, it should take about two to three FULL cycles (packs) of birth control for your body to set it's schedule. You may see some spotting, even some heavier bleeding (shouldn't be heavier than your normal period) during the first couple of months, but usually no longer than that. If it becomes a problem and/or continues, please give your doctor a call and let them know what's going on.