Hi Doc! i got married last year nd had oral contraceptives for 2 months ,then discontinued it coz my husband went to abroad.Now im  united with my husband again after ten months nd taking contraceptives again.The problem is dat im noticing less bleeding nd almost no pain during periods.Before my weddind i used to have lots of pain nd bleeding, nd after my separation(with husband) also  lots of bleeding nd pain was there.I guess its related with sexual activity nd contraception... dont kno what exactly????Now im worried is it normal or having any significance ... coz we both r thinking to plan a baby now...
Hi. Thanks for asking in Chat Doctor. You have a very good observation indeed. Generally, menstrual cycles are painful as they are ovulatory cycles. Ovulation is the rupture of ovum and release of egg, necessary for fertilization. The oral contraceptives inhibit ovulation and makes the cycles ovulatory.  This is one of the main action of OCP in preventing conception. The pain and bleeding during menstruation are due to increased uterine contraction needed to expel the unfertilized egg products in the form of clots. You have no pain and less bleeding with OCP not only because the cycles are ovulatory but also because the bleeding is with Chat Doctor.  Also, with OCP, your periods will be on a regular cyclical pattern. I hope this is useful to you.