Rhiannon Hendricks
Planning a honeymoon and wondering how to adjust your birth control? There are several birth control options to choose from, including barrier methods (condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, and contraceptive sponges), short-acting hormonal methods (birth control pills, the vaginal ring, the skin patch, and the contraceptive injection), long-acting hormonal methods (copper IUD, hormonal IUD, and the contraceptive implant), sterilization, spermicide or gel, and fertility awareness methods. The type of birth control you choose will determine how you can adjust it for your honeymoon. For example, if you are taking birth control pills, you can change the time you take your pill, but it must be done correctly and depends on the kind of pill you are taking. If you are considering adjusting your birth control for your honeymoon, consult your doctor to determine the best course of action.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Adjusting birth control | Depends on the type of birth control used, such as an IUD, Depo-Provera, or the pill |
| The pill and illness | If you get sick, your body might not absorb the pill's active ingredients; use extra contraception for 7 days after |
| Missed pill | Take the missed pill as soon as you remember, and take the next pill as usual |
| Late pill | If you take a combination birth control pill, a pill taken more than 24 hours after the last pill is considered late |
| Changing pill time | You can change the time you take your pill, but there's a right way to do it depending on the kind of pill you're taking |
| Honeymoon/vacation | Some doctors recommend skipping the placebo pills in a birth control pack to avoid menstruation during these times |
| Permanent sterilisation | Tubal ligation for women and vasectomy for men |
| Non-hormonal birth control | Spermicide, vaginal gel |
| Fertility awareness methods | Know when you can get pregnant and avoid sex on or around fertile days, or use birth control |
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What You'll Learn
Skipping a period
There are several birth control methods that allow you to control how often you have your period or stop it entirely. These include:
- Birth control pills: You can skip the placebo or dummy pills, which are usually found in the fourth week of the pack, and immediately start a new pack of active pills. This method effectively prevents menstruation and is safe, as evidenced by the FDA's approval of extended-cycle pills like Lybrel in 2007. However, it is important to note that this approach may not be suitable for those with insurance covering only a conventional refill schedule or those paying out of pocket.
- Vaginal rings: By leaving the vaginal ring in place for four weeks instead of the usual three, you can prevent menstruation during the fourth week. This method has sufficient hormones to prevent pregnancy and periods for the entire month.
- Other methods: While research is limited, options like the birth control patch and injectables may also allow you to skip or stop periods.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting or switching birth control methods. They can provide guidance based on your medical history, desired outcome, and preferences. Additionally, while it is generally safe to skip your period, it is essential to be aware of potential side effects and health considerations. For example, skipping your period may mask underlying health issues, such as an underactive thyroid or cancer of the uterus, which can cause changes in menstrual bleeding.
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Changing the time you take the pill
If you are changing time zones, you can adjust the time you take your pill a few days before travelling so that when you arrive, you are taking your pill at a convenient time. For shorter time zone changes, you can set a watch or phone to your home time and continue taking the pill at the original time. If you are crossing several time zones, you may need to adjust the time to avoid taking your pill in the middle of the night.
If you are changing the time of your combination pill, the easiest way is to finish your current pack on your current schedule and then start the next pack at the new time. If you want to move the timing of your pill earlier in the day, you can do this as long as less than 24 hours elapse between doses. If you are moving the timing of your pill later in the day, and more than 24 hours elapse between doses, you can move it to the new time and use backup contraception for the next 7 days.
If you are taking a progestin-only pill, you can take your last dose at the old time and then take the next dose at the new time the following day, using backup contraception for the next 48 hours.
It is important to note that while you can safely change the time you take your pill, it is recommended that you try to take it around the same time every day. This is because the hormones in the pill are metabolized by your body every day, and if the level of hormones drops and a new dose is not provided, you may begin ovulating again.
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Different types of birth control
When it comes to adjusting birth control for your honeymoon, it's important to consider the different types of birth control available and choose the one that best suits your needs. Here are some detailed descriptions of various birth control methods:
Oral Contraceptives (The Pill)
The birth control pill is a widely used method of contraception. It is a short-acting hormonal method that must be taken daily. There are different types of pills, including combination pills (with estrogen and progesterone) and progestin-only pills. Pills with shorter windows, like the progestin-only pill, may require small adjustments over a few days to change the time you take them. It is generally recommended to take the pill at the same time each day, but it is safe to change the time as long as you follow the correct instructions for your specific pill.
Intrauterine Devices (IUD)
IUDs are long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) that are inserted into the uterus by a healthcare provider. They are highly effective, with a less than 1% chance of pregnancy. IUDs can be hormonal or non-hormonal (such as copper IUDs). Side effects vary depending on the type of IUD and may include irregular bleeding or heavier periods. IUDs are a "get it and forget it" method, requiring no daily or monthly maintenance.
Barrier Methods
Barrier methods of birth control include condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, and contraceptive sponges. Condoms are a popular option, providing protection against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, they may tear or rip, reducing their effectiveness. Diaphragms, cervical caps, and contraceptive sponges create a physical barrier to prevent sperm from entering the uterus.
Injectables, Implants, and Vaginal Rings
These methods are unaffected by illness or time zone changes and are changed or administered at specific intervals. Injectables, like Depo-Provera, are hormonal contraceptives that are administered through injection. Implants are another type of LARC method, similar to IUDs, that are inserted by a healthcare provider. Vaginal rings, such as the NuvaRing, are inserted into the vagina and release hormones to prevent pregnancy.
Fertility Awareness Methods
Fertility awareness methods involve tracking your fertile days and either avoiding intercourse or using additional birth control during those times. These methods can be used in conjunction with other forms of contraception for added protection.
Sterilization
Sterilization is a permanent form of birth control that involves surgery or a medical procedure to prevent pregnancy. Female sterilization, or tubal ligation, involves cutting or damaging the tubes that carry eggs. Male sterilization, or vasectomy, involves a similar procedure on the tubes that carry sperm.
Remember, when choosing a birth control method, it is essential to consider your personal preferences, health, and effectiveness. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best option for you.
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Side effects of birth control
While birth control pills are safe for most people and have been used effectively for over 60 years, they can have side effects. These side effects usually go away within a few months, and they don't happen to everyone who takes the pill. The most common side effects are spotting or bleeding between periods, sore breasts, nausea, and headaches. However, some birth control pills, especially those containing estrogen, may increase the risk of rare but serious complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, high blood pressure, and heart attack. Other potential side effects include changes in weight, acne, and menstrual bleeding. It is important to note that the side effects of stopping birth control pills can vary as well, and it may take a few weeks to several months for your regular menstrual cycle to return.
If you are planning a honeymoon and want to adjust your birth control, there are a few things to consider. First, if you are taking birth control pills, it is generally recommended to take them at the same time each day. However, you can change the time as long as you follow the right instructions, which may involve making small adjustments over a few days. Additionally, if you are taking combination birth control pills, taking a pill more than 24 hours after your last pill is considered late, and you may need extra contraception for seven days.
If you are considering skipping your period during your honeymoon, you can do so by not taking the placebo pills at the end of your birth control pack and starting a new pack right away. While this method is recommended by some gynecologists, not all doctors agree with it as a long-term solution. Skipping your period may mask other health problems and can cause anxiety due to the slight risk of pregnancy.
There are also alternative methods of birth control to consider, such as barrier methods (condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, and contraceptive sponges), long-acting hormonal methods (IUDs, implants, and injectables), sterilization, spermicide or vaginal gel, and fertility awareness methods. These options may be more suitable for your honeymoon plans and can provide effective contraception with varying levels of maintenance and permanence.
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Birth control and illness
Illness can affect the effectiveness of birth control methods. If you are sick during your honeymoon, your body might not absorb the pill's active ingredients. In this case, it is recommended to use extra contraception for seven days after recovering from the illness. Injectables, implants, and vaginal rings are not affected by illness and should be changed at the right time.
If you are still within your pill's protection window, take your missed pill as soon as you remember and take the next pill as usual. However, if it has been more than 24 hours since your last pill, your pill may be considered late. In this case, refer to your pill leaflet for specific advice.
To adjust your birth control regimen before your honeymoon, it is recommended to start a couple of months in advance to give your body time to adjust to the hormones. This is especially important if you want to skip your period during the honeymoon, as it can take up to three months for the body to adjust to a new routine. One way to skip your period is to take the three weeks of hormone-containing pills and then skip the week of placebo pills. Continuous-use birth control pills, such as monophasic pills, are also an option to reduce the number of periods.
If you are considering adjusting your birth control method or regimen, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your specific needs and health status.
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Frequently asked questions
You can skip the seven dummy pills at the end of your birth control pack and start a new pack right away. This method is not recommended for permanent use, as it can mask health issues such as an underactive thyroid or cancer of the uterus. Additionally, it can cause anxiety as you won't be able to confirm that you are not pregnant.
Side effects of birth control pills can include headaches, nausea, breakthrough bleeding, and breast or chest tenderness. These side effects usually go away after 3-4 months as your body adjusts to the hormones.
If you are taking a pill with a shorter window, such as the progestin-only pill, you may need to make small adjustments over a few days to reach your preferred new time. For example, if your usual time is 10 am and you want to change it to 5 pm, you can take your pill at 10 am on the first day, then a couple of hours later on the next day, and so on until you reach 5 pm.
Alternative birth control methods include barrier methods such as condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, and contraceptive sponges; long-acting hormonal methods such as IUDs and implants; and spermicide or vaginal gel.
It is important to consult with your doctor to determine the best birth control method for your individual needs and preferences. They will be able to advise you based on your medical history and any potential side effects or interactions with other medications.
