Teen FAQ
For over 10 years, teens have been asking us questions on every topic imaginable. While we are no longer taking new questions, we have a wealth of information we would like to share with teenagers.
Questions about suicide? Call the NATIONAL SUICIDE HOTLINE 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433).
Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Female -- Vaginal Discharge/Infections > Brown discharge, mid-cycle
Posted on: 03/25/2008
Question
I've been taking Ortho Tricyclin Lo even since I had my son in April 2006.
It seems to work fine, (meaning I haven't been pregnant since). Yesterday I had sex with my boyfriend for the first time in five days, and when I woke up in the morning I had a brown discharge in my underwear. It looked like old blood, (i.e. what happens after a period). But this has never happened to me in the middle of the month, when I'm not supposed to even start my period for another 2 weeks. I have no other symptoms, is this normal? Could it just be old blood working its way out of my system? Or is my birth control not strong enough for my body?
Answer
I would assume your birth control is fine - if you take it every day and at the same time each day, but I wonder if you have been tested for sexually transmitted infections - which you can do at your annual check-up and pap. You did not mention whether you use condoms, which is always a great idea.