But is it safe to skip a period?
The short answer is yes, in most cases.
An IUD can remain in place and be effective for years.
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There are two types of IUDs: hormonal and nonhormonal.
Hormonal IUDs continuously release a tiny amount of the hormone progestin to prevent pregnancy.
Many people who use hormonal IUDs find their periods become shorter and lighter.
In the United States, there are four types of hormonal IUDs approved for use.
The Patch or Ring
Thebirth control patchis a method of birth control worn externally on the body.
An active patch is applied once a week and worn for three weeks.
It is removed for one week to allow for a period.
Both birth control methods work by releasing the hormones estrogen and progestin into the bloodstream.
The Pill
The combination oral contraceptive pill contains both estrogen and progestin.
It is taken daily, ideally at the same time to prevent pregnancy.
Taking the active pills continuously can help stop periods.
The shot affects every person differently.
People who use a hormonal IUD don’t need to do anything to stop their periods.
Your body will respond to the IUD on its own.
As long as you are continuously wearing a patch or using the ring, you could skip your period.
People on the combined oral contraceptive pill can safely take their active pills continuously to skip periods.
Instead, start a new pack to continue taking active pills daily at the same time you normally do.
People who use the contraceptive injection or shot may notice their periods become lighter or stop altogether.
This may not happen for everyone.
This may be every eight to 13 weeks depending on the jot down of injection.
Benefits of Preventing Periods
There are numerous benefits to preventing periods.
Using birth control to skip periods may also prevent or lower the chances of other conditions from occurring.
These include:
Taking birth control continuously may also help reduce any ovarian cysts that are already present.
This is common for people on hormonal birth control.
It is typically lighter than a normal period.
It is normal and not something to be concerned about.
Difficulty Identifying Accidental Pregnancy
Using birth control to skip or stop periods makes no difference to fertility.
It is safe and will still protect you from pregnancy.
However, skipping periods may make it difficult to notice if you do happen to become pregnant.
Summary
There are many reasons you may want to skip or stop your period.
These include convenience, special occasions, vacations, to avoid uncomfortable symptoms, or to better manage conditions.
If you are interested in skipping your period, speak with your healthcare provider.
No matter what your reasons are for wanting to skip your period, know that the practice is safe.
But this isn’t the case for everyone.
If you’re unsure about why your period has stopped, speak with your healthcare provider.
Some people may find birth control makes their period lighter, less regular or stop entirely.
This is normal and is not a reason to be concerned.
2019;220(5):440-448.e8.
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