Last week I started what I thought to be a normal period, but with some sticky brown discharge during the first couple days. Now, just a week later, I'm getting the same thing; three days of sticky brown discharge and now just today some actual blood. At first I thought it was just from scratches caused by my boyfriend's finger (that's even what it could have been last week - I'm just not sure (I often have irregular periods)) but now I'm not so sure. I think it may be hormone imbalance. I need to know if it is my actual period, though, or just excess blood and whatnot, because I'm starting birth control for the first time and I need to start taking the pills the Sunday after my period. Please help!

There's really no way for anyone online to tell you what's going on. Not even a doctor can diagnose online.

It could be anything. You could just be having an off period, it could be an infection, it could be pregnancy if you're sexually active, it could be cancer, it could be an STD, we really don't know any more than you do, and there's no way for us to even give you an educated guess.

Have you discussed this with your doctor?

I'm 16. I'm a virgin. But I can't just up and go to the doctor whenever I want to. I did discuss the irregularities with her when I went to talk about the pill, though, and she was very vague about it. She had some blood tests done, including a pregnancy test. I'm 100% fine, they said. I just have no idea what's happening and everything on the internet gives different answers... I just need to know if I should take the pill this Sunday or not...

I'm 16. I'm a virgin. But I can't just up and go to the doctor whenever I want to. I did discuss the irregularities with her when I went to talk about the pill, though, and she was very vague about it. She had some blood tests done, including a pregnancy test. I'm 100% fine, they said. I just have no idea what's happening and everything on the internet gives different answers... I just need to know if I should take the pill this Sunday or not...

Sorry, but we really can't give you an answer. To do so would be irresponsible since we can only guess what's going on, just like you. If you have no idea what's happening with your body, how are complete strangers supposed to have the answer?

I really would talk to your doctor about this, ask his/her advice about whether you should take the pill this Sunday. Your doctor is the one that prescribed the pill, your doctor knows your medical history, and your doctor is the best person to ask. Talk to your mom about this, tell her you're confused about when to start the pill. I'm sure she'll make an appointment for you.

Good luck.