I'm 17 years old and have been with my partner for almost a year now, we're very clear about our goals and children are a long way off for us. I went on the pill in July 06; I’ve missed a pill here or there but have always used extra protection when it's happened. Around Christmas time everything got a little crazy and I missed two pills (stupid I know) again we used extra protection but I was worried still. My period (in early January) came a day early and was very light, but I put this down to me missing the pills and it was like the bleeding I received just after missing the pill (2 weeks earlier) any way my period became heavier, like usual but finished a day earlier. I hoped it meant nothing and started taking my pill for the next month. So I wouldn't miss any again I set an alarm for 9.30 every morning and haven't forgotten one. Well I’m now a day late for my period and am extremely worried, I’m NEVER late. I plan on taking a pregnancy test tomorrow morning if I’m still not on but until then has any one got and advise? Or been in the same situation?
Many thanks
Dani_J

All I can say is take a hpt with first morning urine. If it comes out negative and you still don't get your period go see your doctor. It could be completely normal. Don't stress too much about it. That can change your period. Keep us updated, and if you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask.

It is really hard to give advice on this one except keep calm. While on the pill you really can not count on anything being normal the pill effects everyone's body differently and missing pills makes your body be irregular. If you think you are pregnant please take a test asap cause continuing to be on the pill can effect the baby. Take things slow, if you feel like keeping up with the pill is such a hassel why don't you try depo. I am horrible at remembering to take pills therefor I am on depo and it has worked great for me. Wish you the best.

You've received good advice so far. Its not uncommon to be late for a period, esp if you have missed a few pills on the way, AND esp if you are worried about getting pregnant.Besides, at 17, your body is still going through a lot of hormonal changes that could cause your period to be a bit off, or different then you are use to. Basically, just relax, and take your test tomarrow morning. Let us know how it turns out. Best wishes and good luck

I took a test this morning and it came back negative, although I went to the toilet a lot in the night so it my not have built up in my system. But if I’m not pregnant, where’s my period? Today I’ve been receiving some very light brown discharge, could this be it? And shouldn't it be heavier like usual? What is my body doing?
I'm trying to remain calm but it's hard, this never happens and it has never happened to any of my friends either.
I think I’ll wait till Monday, if it isn't normal then I’ll take another hpt and if it’s negative I’ll go to the doctors, also if I’m pregnant I will also visit the doctor.

It sounds as though your period may be coming on. You are still young and still at the age where weird wacko periods can occur, even in the perfectly regular girl.

Also remember that there a certain medicines that lower the effect of the pill. So if you are put on any antibiotics or any new meds, make sure you know whether they will lower the pill's effect.

That's really interesting because I was discussing with a friend today that I was on very strong pharmacy pain killers for 3 days and wondered if this could affect my pill, but surly it should be written on the packet, right?? :confused:

It is not always written on the packet.

What is the drug and I will look it up for you in my Pharmacy Drug Book.

:) Thanks that would be really helpful. It's called Nurofen Plus, it contains Ibuprofen and codeine.

Congratulations, this drug does NOT decrease the effects of birth control pills.

You are safe there.

Thanks that's a relief.
I've been reading though these posts and I see a lot of women are late for their period and showing negative tests, so I guess it's pretty common. I find that some comfort, but like the rest I just hate not knowing what my body is doing. O Well roll on Monday!
Thanks for all your help; I'll keep you updated about what I hear from the doc.
Thanks again
Dani_J:)

I've just remembered I was also on flu tablets for a few days, not long ago. Could you please see if these would affect my pill. They are call Beechams Flu Plus. This would be a great help.
Many thanks

Dani, if you will scroll down a little you will see Answer this Question box. You can type your answer in there instead of clicking on quote user. It makes the thread much more readable.

Now, for the flu tablet, was it prescription or over the counter?

Sorry about that.

They were also over the counter.

I was told when on the pill that any and all medications make the pill less effective. It can very from making it 95% effective to 80% effective (major medications like a z-pac or mixing strong medications). I would call your doctor office and ask, or call a pharmacy and ask what kind of effect the flu medication may have had on your bith control.

Kholloway is partially right. Many meds do lower the effectiveness, but definitely not all.

Unfortuantely this one I do not have in my drug book. You should call your pharmacist/chemist to check on this one.

Ok will do, I just wish my doctor had told me more about the pill as reading the leaflet really doesn't tell me the whole story, like I never knew meds may lower it's effectiveness. I'm starting to think this might not be the right contraception for me.

The pill is quite effective if used properly. You must take it at the same time every day, don't miss a day, and notify your care provider and/or pharmacist when receiving any new meds. Ask the pharmacist about OTC drugs as well.

No birth control is 100% effective, only abstinence is. However, if used properly the pill may very well be just right for you.

Thanks you give great advice.
I always said if you don't want to get pregnant don't have sex... but that was before I discovered it ha ha.
Thanks again

Yes, that was before you discovered it. But remember that no protection is 100% effective. If you have sex you run the risk of getting pregnant.

While sex may be great, a sick infant at 2:30 in the morning when you are 17 or 18 is not nearly as great.

Very true, I'm not ready for that.

But be ready when and if it does happen. I was 22 when I had my first, I look back and wished I had waited. Not that I would change anything mind you, but I know now I was not ready.

I took the pill, religiously, every day, same time. No meds at all. I got pregnant. Same thing happened with my second son 9 months later. I was the 1% that the pill does not work on. But you don't know that until you get pregnant.

So, be aware, that as long as you are having sex, you run the risk of becoming a mother for life.

Here's my update. Yesturday (10feb) it seemed as if I started to recive my regular period and I am thankful. I plan on taking a 2nd hpt in the morning but if it's negative I think I'll just take my pill. Or do I have to visit the doctor before going back on the pill?

I use the nuvaring because I can't remember to take the pill, you might check it out.

Dani-
Nothing (except abstinence) is 100% effective.
I have a friend who was going from the pill to the shot.
The doctor had her get her shot one week before she stopped taking her pill.
Within that timeframe BAM Katie was born.
We can only do our best to protect ourselves. But when we become sexually active, we are excepting the fact that we can get pregnant... even with the best of procautions.

Lord do I sound like my mother or what??

Most antibiotics decrease the affectiveness of birth control.