Quick! Birth control help needed.

[KKD]

I just realized that I will likely have my period for our anniversary trip next month which just CANNOT happen which means I need to start some BC to prevent it in the next couple weeks. I was on the pill up until we started ttc our first child eight years ago, and we've been using condoms ever since. The most important thing to me right now is to start something that will block my period Oct. 22-27. lol. Ideally I would also like to minimize or avoid periods altogether. I am not opposed to taking a daily pill again, but I could also go for something longer-lasting like an IUD since we are most likely done having children. eta: I am still breastfeeding and plan to continue for the next few months.

So, wise MMMers, please tell me what to take and when to start taking it. lol. Or tell me to suck it up and call my OB/GYN. lol.

[KKD]

Sept 22, 2014 13:44:19 GMT -5 @tambcat said:

Well you're going to have to call your obgyn anyway, right?

I don't think either IUD is guaranteed to stop your periods. I think it's possible w/ the Mirena, but you might still have a light one. I would just get a regular (not low-dose) hormonal pill and take it from now through your trip date without a break.

Well, sure, but I feel like I might need an appointment if I want to discuss my options. I'd rather avoid that!

And I forgot to mention I'm still nursing 3-4 times a day. Can I take a regular pill? Would the low-dose pill not help me skip my next period?

[tealblue]

I don't think an IUD is the way to go- I bled for quite a while when I got my Mirena.

Maybe the paragard that goes in your arm? Not sure if that makes you bleed and/or if that will move your period next month. Sorry I was completely unhelpful there.

[cmarie11]

If you're breastfeeding, the only pill option is the mini pill, which won't give you the option to skip your period because there is no placebo week.

You could do an IUD or implanon (the one that goes in your arm), but both of those have a tendency to have frequent spotting.

Sorry...  *-)

[KKD]

Sept 22, 2014 14:29:03 GMT -5 cmarie11 said:

If you're breastfeeding, the only pill option is the mini pill, which won't give you the option to skip your period because there is no placebo week.

Admittedly I am not at all familiar with it, but what if I waited to start it for another two or three weeks, so I'd be a week or two into my first round of it when we're on our trip? Or do I have to start it once my current period is over?

[robot]

Mirena IUD is great, but not for the immediate purpose for which you need it! I had spotting for the first 6 wks (light-ish spotting, but still). Sorry I don't have a better suggestion...

[Ashley&Scott]

I vote that you just let it be, sorry.

I never had luck using my BCP to change my period dates. I tried a few times in college always backfired, I ended up spotting even more. 

[winecheery]

You cannot take the regular pill while nursing, you can only take the mini pill which I DO NOT REC because of the very heavy spotting. The Paraguard IUD is great for no spotting, but you still get your period; often heavy. I feel like your options aren't so great tbh if you're still nursing. All the things coming to mind are full hormones…and with the regular pill, your body often needs a full cycle to adjust, so you may still get a period the first month.

FWIW I was on Loestrin (Microgestin) for 10 years prior to TTC and I remember spotting the first month, and then after about 3 months in I stopped getting a period. But yeah, it wasn't instant and again, it was the full hormones, albeit the lowest dose available (at the time).

[Deleted]

I'm confused, aren't you going to have to call your ob/gyn because they're the ones who will prescribe something for you.

Nexplanon, depo and an IUD all have abnormal bleeding for many women. I'm assuming the bleeding is what you're trying to avoid.

With the pill (combined or progesterone only) there is no guarantee that you won't be on your period on those specific dates, especially starting now. Plus progesterone pill you'll likely have spotting. 

Seasonale or something similar where you only get your period every 4 months might be another option, but again, no guarantee depending on where you are in your cycle.

In addition, a combined pill will likely suppress your milk, so that's another thing to consider.

I feel your pain though. I just looked at the calendar and my cycle and I'll likely be on my period when I visit my boyfriend whom I haven't seen in 9 months. But at this point, I don't give a damn! I hope you have a great trip!

[megs193]

Do you plan on pumping when you are away or weaning then? The reason I ask is that combo birth control is only contraindicated because it lowers your milk supply. I actually took combo birth control for the last 6 months of breast feeding and it had minimal effect on my supply. My son was 18 months when I was started and I knew that it could tank my supply but was ok if that happened.

[spankswife]

Bf= mini pill.

Can you just start second pack instead of placebo week? Would that stop it?

[KKD]

Sept 22, 2014 16:27:22 GMT -5 Ashley&Scott said:

I vote that you just let it be, sorry.

I never had luck using my BCP to change my period dates. I tried a few times in college always backfired, I ended up spotting even more. 

Well, fuck. This trip will be memorable for all the wrong reasons if I don't work something out!

Sept 22, 2014 19:22:15 GMT -5 megs193 said:

Do you plan on pumping when you are away or weaning then? The reason I ask is that combo birth control is only contraindicated because it lowers your milk supply. I actually took combo birth control for the last 6 months of breast feeding and it had minimal effect on my supply. My son was 18 months when I was started and I knew that it could tank my supply but was ok if that happened.

I plan to pump, yes. I am not ready to wean but may have to risk lower supply if necessary for the sake of my marriage. lol. DS is 13 months today so he doesn't NEED it but I breastfed both of my girls for 18 months and hoped to do the same with him. And he's my baby so I know I'll be upset if I have to force the issue before either of us is ready.

Sept 22, 2014 19:35:20 GMT -5 spankswife said:

Bf= mini pill.

Can you just start second pack instead of placebo week? Would that stop it?

I have no idea. I guess I'll be calling my OB/GYN tomorrow and see how much info I can get over the phone or else make an appointment, ugh.

I got my first pp period 7/22 and my second 8/24. My cycles have typically been just over a month so I should have gotten this one around 9/26, which means my next one would be in the clear around 10/28. Except it showed up 9/20 and screwed up everything, ugh!

[VillainV]

Honestly, even if you could take a regular combo pill, it's unlikely it will kick in and allow you to skip a period that quickly. With BFing, I don't think you really have many options. Sorry.

[whitepicketfence]

Sept 22, 2014 16:27:22 GMT -5 Ashley&Scott said:

I vote that you just let it be, sorry.

I never had luck using my BCP to change my period dates. I tried a few times in college always backfired, I ended up spotting even more. 

This was always my experience while on the pill, too.

Sorry