[runwild]

I went to the clinic yesterday and I received Ortho-Cyclen, a 28 day regimen. I haven't started it yet but I was wondering, what if my period falls on a day that I don't want it to? Would skipping the break/placebo pills and just taking the next months pills make me skip my period?

And also, my period is usually about 5~7 days long, (it's really irregular) what if I took only a 4 day break rather than a 7 day one. Would taking the active pills again stop my period?

[rachilde]

Everyone is different, but the long and the short of it is:

1) skipping your placebos will make you skip your period for that round but may cause difficulties in obtaining a refill for next month since you may be purchasing your refill earlier than usual. This causes problems with insurance and the pharmacy.
2) take all your placebos; no, shortening the number of placebos taken does not shorten the period itself. You will probably find that taking the pill will shorten your period by a couple of days anyway. However, if you do not follow the prescribed placebo pills after you have started your period, you may find that your period will get messed up. I tried to do this once and my period lasted for 1 month (it was a very light period, but still a period nonetheless). Take the placebos as they were prescribed or do not take them at all and skip to the next month.

Also: your period will not start on the day you take the placebo. It will usually start about 3-4 days after you start taking the placebos and will last maybe one to two days after you start taking the next month's pills.

[starrynight_x]

i want to get birth control but im 17. can i get it still without my parents knowing? i live in washington.

[runwild]

Thanks so much, rachilde.

and starrynight_x: http://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/h...eenclinics.aspx
That website tells you all the teen clinic hours in washington. You don't have to go during those hours either. It's totally confidential and you can get birth control for free.

[imhitomi]

If you go straight from one pack to the next without skipping a day or taking the placebo (going straight to the next active pill) you should miss your period. There's no medical reason to have a period so skipping is not a problem. The only reason the placebos are in the pack is because doctors thought not having a period would scare women back when the pill was released in the 1960s.

Your period may last a day or two longer even after you back on the regular pills. It'll be really light if anything. But once again, you don't really have to have a period if you don't want to. Some BCPs eliminate the placebo pills for the most part and just give more regular pills.

[joongielove]

Yeah, like everyone else said, just skip the last week of placebos and go straight to the next pack.

As for obtaining the pill, I started taking it when I was 17. I went to a Planned Parenthood clinic near me. After you go for the 3 month check-up, you can buy more than 1 pack at a time. (I got 5, so I don't have to keep driving there >__>) But it's totally confidential, and the people are very helpful! =]

[Yuvi22]

It is possible to go straight to the active pill without taking the placebo. Just be careful.
The result is different for everybody. Some will have no problem, some will experience spotting and heavy cramping/bloating, some will have HEAVY bleeding if they decided to have their period.
Depending how your body will handle it, it can be a great trip..or a horrible one.

It is up to you, but for me i wouldn't try that method because i like know if my reproduction organs are still functioning each month.