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Last Updated:
Jan 3rd, 2010 - 00:09:53
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Question
I am 33 years old. Ever since I went off the birth control pill (Yasmin) four years ago, I have had brown bleeding lasting about 10-14 days preceding my period. I never had this problem before I was on the pill, or while I was on the pill-- it appeared for the first time, though it has persisted for four years, after I went off the pill.
I have been through a lot to try to address this, and I am incredibly frustrated and upset. A gynecologist told me I must have a polyp and so I went into surgery. No polyp. I've had hysteroscopy (don't know if I am saying it right) and everything looks normal. I tried going on the pill again to get rid of the brown bleeding, but that did not work either; I tried several different kinds. This brown bleeding really affects my life-- it is inconvenient in terms of all the panty liners that I have to use, but it also affects intimacy with my partner-- he is sweet, but I feel inhibited because it is kind of gross. And it lasts so long. I may only have one normal non-bleeding week a month.
We would also like to have a baby someday, but now I am worried that my fertility is an issue. I would really appreciate thoughtful advice on this matter-- advice that is not dismissive or that entails trying to fix everything with the pill, which I suspect in this case is the cause of the problem.
Thank you,
Audra
Answer
Dear Audra,
I am sorry that you have had to deal with this brown bleeding for four years. It really is inconvenient. Just going over your letter it seems as if it may be a hormone problem since the two test/surgeries you had were negative.
Might I suggest you find a NaProTechnology trained doctor or a Natural Family Planning teacher trained in the Creighton Model System. By learning to chart your cycle and working with a medical consultant who understands the charting you can be given blood tests at the correct time of your cycle to see if the hormone levels are adequate. If your hormone levels are not normal, which I suspect is the case, then you can be given hormones to adjust you back to normal. This would not be a birth control pill.
Also by learning to chart your cycle, you can see when you are fertile or infertile throughout your cycle without causing any harm to your reproductive health.
Please consult our website to find a practitioner and/or medical consultant near you. They will be most helpful and definitely not put you back on the pill or dismiss your case.
Good Luck,
Vicki Delucchi, CFCP
Vicki Delucchi, BS, CNFPP is a member of CANFP and AANFP.
She lives with her husband and two daughters in Soquel.
She has been teaching the Ovulation Method since 1989.
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