(no subject)

[callmeblinker.livejournal.com]

I browsed the memories, but couldn't find what I was looking for...

I'll be spending next weekend with my SO, and I'm also scheduled to be on my period at that time. Although we don't have a problem with having sex then, I'd rather not have to deal with it at all this time. I'm on Ortho Tri-Cyclen, and have heard of skipping your period by not taking the last 7 pills (I can't recall what they're called).

My questions are:

Will this mess up my cycle?
Would I still have some spotting?
Is it safe?

Any input would be greatly appreciated. :)

Comments

[tyrsalvia.livejournal.com]

I don't have the answer to your question (though from looking through other posts, I get the feeling it will be fine - might want to call Planned Parenthood to ask for sure, though), but I wanted to compliment you on your icon. Normally I don't like animated ones, but that's very cute.

[callmeblinker.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

[neeuqdrazil.livejournal.com]

If you're using a 28-pill pack, then yes, skip the last 7 pills (the placebos) and start the next pill pack right away (i.e., on the day when you would take the 22nd pill in your pack).

You may have some spotting, or you may not. I've done this a few times, and have had some spotting, but I generally have some spotting in the week before my period anyway, so I'm not sure if this is something that's generally experienced or not.

As far as I know, it's safe. I've heard of women doing it a few months in a row, although I'm not sure I'd want to - my next period tends to be slightly heavier than usual.

Have fun, whatever you decide to do.

[purplepants.livejournal.com]

1--On the tricyclic, yes, this will seriously play with your cycle. Ortho Tri is not set up to miss periods on it..it has varying levels of hormones that mimic the body's level of hormones. i used to be on it..and i tried skipping the placebos three times and each time i end up with breakthrough bleeding for about a week and a half..and that does not please me. also, when you do use the placebos next, it will change when your period is...if you do the sunday start or whatever.

2--see above--yes.

3--If you are a woman who is not planning on having children in the next year, there is no medical necessity to have a period. i haven't had a period in two months and my girlfriend hasn't had one in six. the only downside to not having a period is that pms-y symtoms can hang out indefintely...i am a bit moodier than i usually am and my girlfriend's tender bits are...well..more tender. other than that, nothing wrong or unsafe about it..

[therealocelot.livejournal.com]

Ortho Tri-Cyclen, being multiphasic (different dosage of hormones on different days) is more inclined to problems like spotting when you skip the off-week than other pills.

Not that it definetly won't work. It works well for some people, and not so well for others.

Skipping the placebos is generally considered by doctors to be safe, as long as you have a period every three or four months. Some people think that skipping your period may actually have health benefits, while others feel the opposite. I don't think that enough research has been done to be certain one way or another.