Nuvaring

[t-baby]

I've been on Nuvaring for just over a month and it's the first time I've been on any kind of birth control.

I've decided to go with the "4 week in then immediately replace with a new one to not have a period" option. The thing is, the day before I was due to replace it (last day of the 4 weeks), I started spotting (brown) but replaced it with a new one anyway thinking the new release of hormones would stop it. I continued to spot (brown) for the next 5 days, then for the past 2 days, I've actually been bleeding (not as heavy as my typical period, but still enough that I've had to use pads - it is lighter today, though). I've also had cramping the past 5 days. So that's at least 7 days of spotting/period when normally my period is exactly 5 days long and I typically only cramp on the 1st day. Is this normal? I know I've read that you could have some spotting for the first few months that you go with the "skip your period" option, but this seems a bit much. Should I talk to my doctor about it? Or wait it out and see if it's better next month? Anyone have any experiences with this?

[Cherry]

When trying to adoiv your period in this way, this IS a fairly normal thing while your body adapts. it's called breakthrough bleeding. It'll probably take you a couple months before you've adapted and stop this kinda thing. But by all means, if you're unsure or just want a bit better pinpoint info, call your doctor and ask him/her about it. I've never BEEN on the ring, but did once use birth control pills and alter my cycle to avoid my period for a planned event. I experienced that "lighter than a period" bleeding, and it lasted for a couple weeks before it stopped and my cycle worked itself out the next month. But since you're attempting to STOP your periods, I really am unsure howq long this is going to keep on with you, beyond that assumed "couple of months" thing.

[LostSerenity]

Cherry is right. Even if you weren't trying to stop your period you would still most likely have breakthrough bleeding during the middle of the month. It's just your body's way of adjusting to the new hormones you've introduced to it. This is normal for up to 3 months while you're new to the pill. When I first started I had some light bleeding for a few days during the first couple of months. If you still have breakthrough bleeding after 3 months though I'd contact your gynocolegist and try a different brand.

[t-baby]

Thanks. The cramping has gone away today and the bleeding is less so hopefully in a day or so it will be over.

[jezzebel]

i know what your problem is. if you want to skip your period you have to replace the ring after 3 weeks. (yes, i'm on it). if you go 4 weeks with it in, the horomone levels aren't left (i believe). it's just like the regular pill... you get 3 weeks of actual birth control, the last week is a placebo. so yeah, to skip your period replace it after 3 weeks.

[t-baby]

That's different than what my doctor said. She told me 4 weeks. I'll go ahead and try 3 weeks this time, though. In the mean time, the cramping is back and I'm still bleeding. This isn't going to last 2 - 3 months straight is it? Is there anything I can do besides wait it out? UGH! What good is birth control if you're bleeding and can't have sex (well I could, but . . . eeewww . . . messy . . .)?

[Gooch]

Originally Posted by t-baby

UGH! What good is birth control if you're bleeding and can't have sex (well I could, but . . . eeewww . . . messy . . .)?

Maybe that's how it works.

Man, I'm an asshole in the morning.

[t-baby]

Originally Posted by Gooch

Maybe that's how it works.

LOL. I'm beginning to think so.

If I remove the ring, would I just finish off like a regular period? Then I could start a new ring and do the 3 weeks/1week thing for a while until my body gets used to it and try the no period thing later. Think that would work out?

[Ann Andriani]

Originally Posted by t-baby

That's different than what my doctor said. She told me 4 weeks. I'll go ahead and try 3 weeks this time, though.

If that's not what your doctor advised then I would discuss the switching in 3 weeks instead of 4 with her/him. I would notify your doctor. Always keep them informed of the things happening to you when trying new birth control. You could be experiencing something normal that will last a couple of months or maybe this type of bc doesn't agree with you.

Ann

[t-baby]

I called my doctor and she told me to go ahead and take it out and have a period because, like you guys said, it can take 3 months for your body to get used to it. And even after you're used to it and are doing the "skip a period" thing, you still may have some spotting occasionally and have to take it out. She said she was on it for 2 years and about 4 or 5 times had to take it out to have a period.

Oh, and incidently, she also said they're good for 33 days so rather than counting 4 weeks exactly, you can just pick a day (like the first of the month) and just replace it on the same day every month.