I'm eighteen years old and three weeks ago I came off a three week period. I was wondering when I can expect my next period and I am also a little worried because the period was so light - basically just wore pantyliners and lites the whole time. I am having sex but we use a condom and since we once had a pregnancy scare we have been very careful about spillage and safe sex. I was on the pill briefly but, as I am also having problems at the moment I came off because the hormones were making it worse! I don't know if perhaps the strange period is stress related or hormone related but I wasn't that stressed six weeks ago. I just don't want to start panicking and making my period later by panicking!

Firstly you need to remember that no contraception is 100% effective, not even condoms. However, having a three week period is not a sign of pregnancy. When did you come off the pill? You can have irregular bleeding for some months after coming off the pill. Sometimes women's periods can just be unusual for no real reason.

Thanks,
The pregnancy thought did come up and to stop that worry I was wondering roughly when I could expect my next period. I was only on the pill for roughly a week about 4/5 weeks ago but they were making it harder for me to deal with my personal problems, I did get told off my the doctor about this, and she was way behind so she rushed me out before I could really talk to her about it. It kind of worried me because lately I've had a total lack of appetite and some chest pains, and very light bleeding after sex so I was wondering if there was something other than pregnancy and, being at uni, the waiting list for doctors is quite long so whilst I'm waiting if there are any ideas, especially as the doc runs late quite a bit!

Unfortunately Caila, this is a question that MUST be answered by your doctor. We can guess as much as we want here in cyberspace, but that would not be in your best interests.

Since we do not know your complete medical history, nor can we do a physical exam, our answers will be guesses at best, and can possibly be detrimental to your health.

If you had a period that lasted 3 weeks, you need to see a doctor, you could very possibly be anemic from that.

Also, as Squiffy said, no birth control is 100% effective in any way shape or form, other than abstinence. So, again, it would be best for you to get into the doctor.

Yes, sometimes doctors are rushed. But it is up to you to stand up for yourself and say "Wait, I need answers to my questions." Don't let that doctor leave until you understand exactly what is going on. Before you go in, make a list of questions that you want answered. Have them handy when the doctor comes in the room and make sure you tell the doc that you have some questions, you are not here strictly for an exam.

Make that doctor work for YOU, that is what they are there for.