The Pill

I used Nuvaring for my honeymoon, and started it about 1 month before. you can use it like the pill, using 2 in a row to prolong the time without bleeding. I stopped it recently because of the same side effects (headaches) I used to get with the pill, but it was very mellow for the first month or two. The benefits of lighter cycles, and better moods, were good for me, but the side effects are not ok for me. Not all women get those though... Nuvaring has less hormones than anything but the hormonal IUD.

Not at all. After having my son 6 months ago I got my tubes snipped. I spoke with my doctor about not having periods anymore. I've got PCOS so when I have a period it;s very painful. He put me on an IUD which I love. I suggest it to anyone.

Doesn't sound weird to me-- I had my tubes tied when I had my C-section, but had REALLY BAD periods afterward (even though I breastfeed!) I went to the Gyne thinking I wanted uterine ablation, but she talked me into trying a Mirena first, HURT going in, but the periods are SO much better!

C.,

I'd ask your OBGYN! Almost 20 years ago, I was expecting my period during our HONEYMOON! Not good! My OBGYN told me to not take a week's break from the pill, but to start the new pk right away. Worked like a charm!

Also, since it sounds as if you are done having kids, based on having your tubes tied, you may want to consider uterine ablation...generally only done for women who have very heavy periods...so much so that it affects the quality of life. The results are fabulous! You keep all of your parts and don't get a period at all (results may vary)...talk to your OBGYN. I didn't even know such a procedure existed until a friend told me about it. It can be a lifesaver for some!

I had to go back on Depo (the shots) because the pill made my periods last two weeks, with heavy flow and cramps and moodiness. I now don't have any periods and I'm not nearly as moody at my time of the month. Just a thought.

Yes, Did the same thing for a fishing trip to Alaska

A Word of Warning to all reading this:

I'm reading a book about your thyroid, and birth control pills do a number on supressing our thyroids! They should be avoided. One Dr. thinks their is a link between thyroid problems and breast cancer.

Talk to your OB. I know you can take meclazyne to enduce your period (takes about 10 days to work), so maybe they would even give you this just so you can get your period before you go. They may even have other suggestions.

My sister said she took a pill from her OB so she would not get her period when she went to Vegas. I do not know what one that was though.

I don't know about being for a short time...

But my SIL had to back on the pill after she got her tubes tied to manage her periods because they became so bad after having it done. I would talk to your dr and see what they say about it. I would suggest doing it soon so your body is balanced out by the time you want to go in April. Who knows maybe after being on it you might like it better and stay on it.

Good luck and have fun on your trip!

From personal experience don't count on it stopping your period. About 8 years ago my roommate and I were going on a 2 week missions trip to Honduras where we were possibly going to have pretty primative facilities. We both decided to go on the pill to avoid having our periods while we were there. It worked for me but my roommate had a period that lasted the whole 2 weeks and more. It finally stopped when she went off the pill. It can sometimes take several months for the pill to affect your cycle and sometimes it takes trying different pills to find the one that works for you. Another friend of mine is her 4th different kind of birth control pill and still trying to find one that doesn't make her crazy, depressed, or cause extra long periods. (She can't use any other form of birth control due to some medical issues.) Talk to your doctor but it's possible that the pill won't be the quick fix that you think it might be.

Yes your doctor can help you. But it takes a few months so call him soon.

I was first put on the pill to help manage my periods, not for birth control. Talk to your doctor about it. I caution you about using it for such a short time span. It can really mess with your hormones and make you moody. If you've been on the pill before and it didn't mess with you, you would be a better candidate. If you do decide to do it (after you've been fully educated on pro's and con's), I would start it sooner than later to KNOW how it is affecting you. Then you'll have less of a chance of it messing up your plans.

You may end up deciding to stay on the pill to make it easier each month. And if your periods are as bad as mine, I don't blame you one bit!

Have fun and don't be afraid to ask your OB anything! What is the worse thing that can happen? Being told it isn't a good idea? Then you know!

My mom had her tubes tied. My grandmother was a nurse working for an OB. When mom wanted to make sure she did not get a period for a certain event, my grandmother would get her a pack of birth control. So I do not think it that uncommon.