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TMI Nuvaring Question
So I started using the Nuvaring at the beginning of August after my last period. It was almost a month before I saw my H. I got to visit him at the very end of August and it was the first time without condoms for both of us.
My friend told me I could skip my periods and I tried that right away! After 3 weeks I replaced the ring immediately, then I left in it for 4 weeks and replaced it. (I only saw my H for 4 days at the end of August/beginning of September) I just replaced my ring yesterday after 4 weeks. What is weirding me out is that I have yet to have a period since starting the nuvaring...
Can that happen? Can skipping your period work right away? My friend said it took her a year to train her body to skip periods! I know my bc is working because I have had major breast tenderness the whole time and tiny cramping which are listed as normal side effects. Is anyone else on the ring and skipping periods? I just don't want to ask my doctor because I don't think she would agree with skipping periods.
Re: TMI Nuvaring Question
I'm on the ring and have been for awhile. I tried to skip my periods and it worked for the first month, but then I had breakthrough bleeding almost every single day so I had to get myself back on track. My doctor was on board with skipping periods, but did advise me that it doesn't always work for everyone and that breakthrough bleeding is a possible side effect.
I will say this....you're only supposed to keep the ring in for 3 weeks at a time, not 4. If you were using it as directed you would have it in for 3 weeks, out for one. Per my doctor, If you're trying to skip your period, you should keep the ring in for 3 weeks and then replace it. Your body is probably confused right now.
My concern for you right now is that you've gotten yourself off track and you might end up with an unintended pregnancy. I've always been told that when you're first starting a new birth control you should use a back up method, and the same is true when you're manipulating your b.c. If I were you I would talk to your doctor about getting back on track. In my experience, doctors do not have an issue with skipping your period because it's completely safe if done correctly. Your doctor would have more insight as to how to get yourself back on track.
I'm just worried because I haven't bled since the end of July! I did want to skip my period but now I'm worried because it seems like it worked out too perfectly and I'm paranoid.
I've googled this situation and some people are saying to change the ring every 3 weeks and other say 4. I can try changing it every 3 weeks from now on.
So now that brings up another question.
Can I take a pregnancy test accurately while I'm on the ring?
Pregnancy tests are accurate while on the ring, because although it contains hormones, it is not the same hormone that pregnancy tests detect. I would suggest taking the test.
In skipping a period on the ring, I don't think you can mess up your body by keeping it in a fourth week. The only problem would be that the hormones may be lower since it's only designed to be in 3 weeks. You would still be covered for birth control reasons, though, since you would be covered if you didn't have it in at all. If it is working, I wouldn't change what you are doing. If you're uncertain, I WOULD pee on a stick, because I don't see how that could hurt things, but it sounds like it's working the way you wanted it to. If you want to have a period, just follow the directions normally for a month and see what happens.
I would suggest taking a pregnancy test and contacting your gyno. The risk you're taking by continuing to manipulate it on your own is that you might end up preggo when you don't want to be plus the hormonal changes caused my skin to break out and impacted my moods a little bit. It's never bad idea to consult your physician before you take your change up your medication.