Stop taking emergency contraceptive pills one to two days earlier than planned?
Hello, Doctor.
I have been taking the contraceptive pill Yaz continuously since June 2023 (with 24 active pills and 4 inactive pills per cycle, taking one pack after another without interruption).
My menstrual period usually starts on the day I take the 3rd or 4th inactive pill.
Currently, I will finish the 24th active pill on February 5 and take the first inactive pill on February 6, so I expect my period to start around February 8 to 9 and continue until about February 13 to 14.
Since I have travel plans from February 13 to 17 and would like to avoid my period during that time, I would like to ask if it is feasible to stop taking the active pills one to two days early (for example, finishing the 22nd active pill on February 3 and starting the inactive pills on February 4) to induce an earlier onset and end of my period.
Will this affect the contraceptive effectiveness? If this is feasible, should I continue taking the next pack after finishing the 4 inactive pills, or how should I proceed? Thank you!
Qiao Qiao, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/01/22
Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, based on your description of symptoms, it is acceptable to continue with this method of taking the medication.
You can either continue with the next pack after finishing the current one, or you may start with the first pill of the next pack after completing the 24 effective pills.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.
Dr.
Zhang
Reply Date: 2024/01/22
More Info
When it comes to managing your menstrual cycle with birth control pills, it is indeed possible to adjust the timing of your period. However, there are important considerations to keep in mind to ensure both the effectiveness of the contraception and your overall health.
First, let's clarify how birth control pills work. Most combination birth control pills contain hormones that regulate your menstrual cycle. In a typical 28-day cycle, you take 24 active pills (which contain hormones) followed by 4 inactive pills (placebo) that allow for a withdrawal bleed, similar to a period. If you want to skip your period for a specific event, such as a vacation, you can manipulate the timing by continuing to take the active pills without taking the inactive ones.
In your case, you are currently taking a 28-day regimen of birth control pills and are considering stopping the active pills a few days early to induce your period before your trip. While this is technically possible, it is not the most effective method for managing your cycle. Stopping the active pills early can lead to irregular bleeding or spotting, and it may not guarantee that your period will arrive when you expect it. Additionally, altering the schedule in this way could potentially reduce the effectiveness of the birth control, especially if you do not follow the prescribed regimen closely.
If your goal is to avoid your period during your travel dates, a more reliable approach would be to skip the placebo pills altogether and start your next pack of active pills immediately after finishing the current pack. This method is commonly used and is generally safe for most women. By doing this, you can effectively skip your period for that month. However, it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your birth control regimen. They can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and ensure that this approach is safe for you.
Regarding your question about the effectiveness of birth control when altering the schedule, if you take the active pills consistently and correctly, the contraceptive effect should remain intact. However, if you do not follow the prescribed regimen, such as by stopping the pills early, you may increase the risk of unintended pregnancy. Therefore, it is crucial to adhere to the instructions provided by your healthcare provider or the medication guidelines.
In summary, while you can adjust your birth control pills to avoid your period, the best practice is to skip the placebo pills and start the next pack of active pills immediately. This method is effective and minimizes the risk of irregular bleeding. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your birth control regimen to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your individual circumstances.
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