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Controlling your periods with contraception from: http://www.sexualityandu.ca/teens/contraception-6.aspxIs your period supposed to start next week, at the same time as an upcoming event such as a wedding, holiday, sports competition, or exam? If you are using birth control methods such as the oral contraceptive pill, patch, or vaginal ring, you can delay your period until a more convenient time. BIRTH CONTROL PILLS Are you taking birth control pills in a 28-pill pack? To extend your cycle, finish taking the 21 active pills. Instead of taking the seven placebo (or sugar) pills, start a new pack immediately and continue on through the pack. This will have you taking six active pill weeks in a row. After the second pack of 21 active pills is done, continue to take the seven placebo pills and have a period that week. Taking a 21-pill pack? After finishing the 21 pills, eliminate the pill-free week and start a new pack of pills right away. Finish this pack as well, making it six weeks of active pills. Once the second pack is done, take a pill-free week and have a period. CONTRACEPTIVE PATCH OR VAGINAL RING Using the patch or the vaginal ring? Once you have completed 21 days of either method (one ring or three patches), instead of having a week off and menstruating, continue immediately with another patch or ring. With the patch, you can add one, two, or three more extra weeks, depending on your schedule. For the vaginal ring, once the second three-week ring is done, remove it and have a ring-free week. During the additional weeks of treatment, you may experience spotting or breakthrough bleeding. This is not harmful and the contraception effect will continue to work even if there is bleeding or spotting. Continue to take your contraceptive method according to the plan you and your health care provider have agreed upon. |