Number : Can You Get Your Period On Birth Control During The Active Pill Weeks
Yup. Most certainly, you can get your period, or what may seem like your period, when you’re not supposed to get it. Unscheduled bleeding that just shows up is one of the main reasons women stop using a birth control method. But before you decide to give up, know that unpredictable bleeding or spotting usually gets better in a few months, depending on the method. Talk to your doctor about what can help and how to address the problem if it gets too bothersome.
S That Can Stop Your Period Long
If you wish to explore the idea of stopping your period long-term, you have options. At the very least, birth control can minimize the frequency of periods you have a year.
- Intrauterine devices may take three to six months to stop your period altogether, but after that, they can remain effective for anywhere from three to 10 years depending on the type.
- Birth control implants like Nexplanon work for up to three years and provide lighter periods or may stop them altogether depending on the person.
- Endometrial ablation procedure: This procedure is usually only recommended for people with very heavy, prolonged periods who are at risk of anemia and shouldn’t be considered if you are planning to get pregnant at any point in the future.
How Do I Use The Different Types Of Birth Control Pills
Combination Pills :
As long as you take 1 pill every day, youll be protected from pregnancy. You dont have to take your combination pill at the exact same time every day. But taking it at the same time is a good idea because it helps keep you in the habit of remembering your pill. You can also use an alarm, calendar reminder, or our birth control app to help you remember. Most combination pills come in 28-day or 21-day packs.
If you have 28-day packs:
Take 1 pill every day for 28 days in a row, and then start a new pack on day 29. The last pills in 28-day packs of combination pills do not have hormones in them. These pills are called “reminder” or placebo pills they help remind you to take your pill every day and start your next pack on time. How many days you take hormone-free reminder pills depends on the brand of pill. Most pill packs have hormone-free pills for 7 days, but sometimes there are less. The reminder pills may contain iron or other supplements. You get your period during the week you take these reminder pills. Youll still be protected from pregnancy even if you dont take the reminder pills just remember to start your next pack on time.
If you have 21-day packs:
If you have 91-day packs:
Progestin-Only Pills :
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How Long Does It Take For Your Period To Regulate After Starting Birth Control
When you stop taking the pill, it can take some time for your body to start producing these hormones again. Menstrual periods typically resume within three months after you stop taking the pill. But if you took the pill to regulate your menstrual cycles, it may take several months before your period comes back.
Number : How Long Should You Have Your Period On Birth Control
When you have a period on birth control, it can be unpredictable. Strictly speaking, you should get your period during the time you’re taking placebo pills. But unscheduled bleeding, whether light spotting or heavy, happens when you’re on birth control. Usually, the bothersome unpredictable bleeding will resolve itself after a few months.
But what if you have bleeding for a long time outside of the placebo window? In general, periods should last between 4 and 8 days.
Let’s start with defining and quantifying what we mean when we refer to bleeding or spotting. That’ll help you determine it for yourself, and it’ll help you if you decide to talk to your doctor about it.
Read Also: Why Am I Bleeding When I Already Had My Period
What Kinds Of Medical Conditions Can Be Helped With Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills are used to treat many different conditions including:
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome : is a hormonal imbalance which causes irregular menstrual periods, acne, and excess hair growth. For girls whose menstrual periods are irregular , birth control pills work by lowering certain hormone levels to regulate menstrual periods. When hormones are at normal levels, acne and hair growth often improve.
Endometriosis: Most girls with endometriosis have cramps or pelvic pain during their menstrual cycle. Birth control pills are often prescribed continuously to treat endometriosis and work by temporarily preventing periods. Since periods can cause pain for young women with endometriosis, stopping periods will usually improve cramps and pelvic pain.
Lack of periods from low weight, stress, or excessive exercise: Birth control pills may be prescribed to replace estrogen, which helps to regulate the menstrual cycle. Normal estrogen levels and healthy weight are important for healthy bones. If lack of periods is caused by low weight or an eating disorder, the best treatment is weight gain to a normal healthy weight and counseling to address body image and health.
Painful Periods : When over-the-counter medications dont help with severe cramps, birth control pills may be the solution because they prevent ovulation and lighten periods.
Heavy Menstrual Periods: Birth control pills can reduce the amount and length of menstrual bleeding.
Other Medical Benefits
Difficulty Identifying Accidental Pregnancy
Using birth control to skip or stop periods makes no difference to fertility. You will be protected from pregnancy in the same way as you would be if you had a period on birth control. It is safe and will still protect you from pregnancy.
However, skipping periods may make it difficult to notice if you do happen to become pregnant. If you notice symptoms such as breast tenderness or nausea, take a home pregnancy or consult your healthcare provider.
Don’t Miss: Can You Miss A Period On Birth Control
You May Feel Extremely Emotional
Mood swings can be pretty common during your first month on birth control, and is often talked about in the context of premenstrual syndrome , which is a combination of symptoms you can get a week or two before your period. For Sarah Madaus, a freshman at Temple University, starting birth control caused her emotions to run wild. PMS is normal but mine was extreme, she says. Its leveled out a little bit since the first month, but is definitely more noticeable than others. However, its important to note that the only way for sure to know if the birth control itself is responsible for your mood swings is to stop taking it altogether.
If youre feeling more or less emotional than usual, Dr. Stacey recommends that you closely monitor your mood changes once starting the pill. A journal or log book can help with this, she says. If this symptom gets worse or does not go away after three months, a woman should discuss this with her doctor. An awareness of the hormonal changes happening in your body is crucial.
Starting The Birth Control Pill The Basics
Naturally, most people would prefer to begin taking their birth control pills as soon as they receive them. In short, it is entirely acceptable to start taking your birth control pills at any point during your cycle. However, starting your first birth control pill in a more strategic fashion can also be beneficial.
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How Can A Person Stop Their Period Permanently
Under some circumstances a doctor may recommend surgery. However, they will only redommend this if a person has specific medical conditions, such as endometriosis or persistent heavy periods.
This surgery will be a final resort if other treatments such as certain birth control options have not worked.
Birth Control Pills: General Information
Posted under Health Guides. Updated 8 June 2020.
- There are many different kinds of birth control pills .
- Most types of birth control pills contain two hormones: estrogen and progestin . These are called combined birth control pills.
- Birth control pills are also called oral contraceptive pills , hormone pills, or the Pill.
Birth control pills
Birth control pills are a type of female hormonal birth control method and are very effective at preventing pregnancy. The Pills are small tablets that you swallow each day. Most pills contain two types of synthetic female hormones: estrogen and progestin. These are similar to the estrogen and progesterone normally made by the ovaries. These pills are called combination oral contraceptives, and there are many different kinds.
The hormones in the pills prevent pregnancy by suppressing the pituitary gland, which stops the development and release of the egg in the ovary . The progestin also helps to prevent the sperm from reaching the egg and changes the lining of the uterus.
Another type of pill contains only one hormone and is called either the progestin-only pill, or the mini-Pill. It works by stopping ovulation and by helping to prevent the males sperm from reaching the egg.
Which birth control pill should I take?
First, talk with your health care provider about whether the Pill is right for you. If it is, discuss which pill and what dosage is best for you.
How effective is the Pill at preventing pregnancy?
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Birth Control Pills And Period: Your Questions Answered
Laurel Klafehn
Laurel Klafehn
Laurel is a linguist at heart and studying to become a Certified Spanish Interpreter and Translator. She believes in making quality healthcare accessible, and is proud of PlushCare’s mission to do so.
Birth control pills, also known as oral contraceptives or the pill, are one of the most common forms of hormonal birth control. Birth control pills have been studied for over 50 years, and were approved by the FDA for contraceptive use in 1960. Your menstrual cycle will change depending on the type of birth control pill you choose because each variety contains different quantities and types of hormones that work together to prevent pregnancy.
Understanding your options will help you determine the nature of your period while on birth control pills.
Types Of Birth Control That Stop Periods
A person may wish to stop or delay their period for a variety of reasons. For example, some people experience cramps, headaches, bloating, or other painful symptoms during periods. The timing of a persons period may also be inconvenient and disrupt daily life.
A person can stop or delay their period using birth control methods. It is also possible to reduce the number of periods a person experiences in a given time.
There are a variety of methods a person can choose from to stop their periods.
The following birth control options may stop periods:
Also Check: My Period Is 3 Days Late Should I Be Worried
Is Prolonged Bleeding Normal After Starting Birth Control
Q: Is it natural to have prolonged periods after just starting birth control? I started taking the pill when I started my period and it still persists.
A: Irregular bleeding is the most common side effect of birth control pills. It is especially common during the first three months as your body adjusts to the hormones in the medication. However, other things can cause prolonged bleeding too. If the bleeding is especially heavy , persists throughout the whole month or occurs only with intercourse especially if youve stopped using condoms you should see your womens health care provider to make sure nothing more serious is going on.
The most common cause of irregular bleeding is missed pills, so make sure you are taking the pill every day, and at the same time every day.
Birth control pills can cause a lot of other side effects, especially bloating, nausea and breast tenderness. Most side effects resolve after a few months, but the clinicians in our Womens Services Department usually recommend that you check in with your health care provider after your first 3 months on the pill to make sure everything is going OK. If you have any questions or concerns about birth control, theyre happy to answer them for you.
John A. Vaughn, MD
Number : What’s An Abnormal Period On Birth Control
When the National Institutes of Health talks about vaginal bleeding, they say that women who take birth control pills may experience abnormal vaginal bleeding or breakthrough bleeding. So are they saying that “abnormal” bleeding is “normal” when you’re on the pill? Well, to a degree. They follow by saying that breakthrough bleeding should go away on its own, but you should talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
Here are some symptoms of abnormal vaginal bleeding to watch for:
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Bleeding or spotting between periods
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Bleeding after sex
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Heavy periods, which could mean passing large clots, needing to change your pad/tampon in the night, soaking through your pad/tampon every hour for 2 to 3 hours in a row
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Bleeding for more days than usual or more than 7 days
It’s a good idea to keep a record of these symptoms if you have them. You should note the dates when these symptoms start and end and how many pads/tampons you’re soaking through if the bleeding is heavy. Jotting down these notes will be a godsend when you seek medical advice.
Read Also: How Do You Know Your Period Cycle Length
When Should I Start Taking The Progestin
If you plan on using a progestin-only pill, you will be protected from pregnancy within two days of taking your first pill. If you plan on being sexually active within that two day , be sure to use another method of birth control to help prevent pregnancy.
While you may have a preference as to when to start taking birth control pills, you should discuss your options with your doctor. There are a number of factors to consider that may dictate when you should start your first course of oral contraceptives.
Looking for alternatives to birth control pills? Read on:
- Birth Control Patch
Are There Different Kinds Of Birth Control Pills
Yes. There are many different kinds of birth control pills . Your health care provider may prescribe a progestin-only pill . If you dont have any medical problems that would put you at risk for medical complications, your health care provider will decide which birth control pill is the best one for you.
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Does The Birth Control Pill Cause Cancer
No. The Pill actually protects against cancer of the ovaries and cancer of the lining of the uterus. A woman is half as likely to get cancer of the uterus or ovaries if she takes the Pill. Most experts believe that taking oral contraceptive pills does not cause an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Even girls with a family history of breast cancer can take the Pill. Users of the Pill have been shown to have increased risk of cervical cancer , as compared to nonusers, but cervical cancer is caused by the HPV virus, so you should get the HPV vaccine and use condoms every time you have sex. Smoking increases the risk for cervical cancer, so quit smoking to keep your body healthy.