Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat It IsHow to Skip Your PeriodTips
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What It Is
How to Skip Your Period
Tips
Hormonal birth control, such as the birth control patch, can be used to skip periods and reduce symptoms during your period. The impact of having a monthly period can be experienced as a minor inconvenience for some, yet it can also be a significant health concern for others. The use of the birth control patch gives people the choice to decide when and if they become pregnant while also allowing them the ability to control if and when they have a period.
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Research shows that many people are interested in trying contraception that extends their menstrual cycles.Many may have medical reasons for wanting to skip a period. The most common medical reasons that people give include headaches, cramping, painful periods, heavy bleeding, and PMS.
In this article, learn what the birth control patch is, how it works, and how to use it to skip a period.
What Is the Birth Control Patch?
The birth control patch is a weekly form ofhormonal birth control. It is a discreet and reversible type ofprescription contraceptionin the form of a plastic patch that sticks to a woman’s skin.
Every week, users put a new patch on. Most people apply the patch to their abdomen, buttocks, or the outside of their upper arm. The patch must be replaced every week for three weeks, and on the fourth week, no patch is used. This is the week the user would get a period. Sometimes, this is called “withdrawal bleeding” because the withdrawal of hormones leads to a period.
Currently, two different brands of birth control patches are available in the United States: Xulane (norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol transdermal system) and Twirla (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol).
Some people who start the birth control patch notice some spotting during the first few months of use. This is a common occurrence and should improve with time.
How to Skip Your Period Using the Patch
What If the Contraceptive Patch Falls Off?
Tips for Using the Patch to Skip Your Period
Some people are concerned about the safety of skipping periods. Research has consistently shown that it is common and completely safe to do.Plus, the practice doesn’t compromise the effectiveness of yourbirth control pills.
One thing to keep in mind is that some insurance companies will not allow you to pick up a prescription early, so make sure to check this out ahead of time if you are planning to skip your period and need to purchase additional patches.
Summary
The birth control patch is an effective method of preventing pregnancy and can also be used to skip periods when desired. By using a new patch during week four instead of having a week off from using the patch, the hormone withdrawal that causes bleeding is eliminated. If you have any questions about how to use the birth control patch effectively, consult with a healthcare professional.
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.DeMaria AL, Sundstrom B, Meier S, Wiseley A.The myth of menstruation: how menstrual regulation and suppression impact contraceptive choice.BMC Womens Health. 2019;19:125. doi:10.1186/s12905-019-0827-xGalzote RM, Rafie S, Teal R, Mody SK.Transdermal delivery of combined hormonal contraception: a review of the current literature.IJWH. 2017;9:315-321. doi: 10.2147/IJWH.S102306National Center for Biotechnology Information. National Library of Medicine. National Institutes of Health.Contraception: Hormonal contraceptives.Baker CC, Chen MJ.New contraception update — annovera, phexxi, slynd, and twirla.Curr Obstet Gynecol Rep. 2022;11(1):21-27. doi:10.1007/s13669-021-00321-4The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.General approaches to medical management of menstrual suppression.
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.DeMaria AL, Sundstrom B, Meier S, Wiseley A.The myth of menstruation: how menstrual regulation and suppression impact contraceptive choice.BMC Womens Health. 2019;19:125. doi:10.1186/s12905-019-0827-xGalzote RM, Rafie S, Teal R, Mody SK.Transdermal delivery of combined hormonal contraception: a review of the current literature.IJWH. 2017;9:315-321. doi: 10.2147/IJWH.S102306National Center for Biotechnology Information. National Library of Medicine. National Institutes of Health.Contraception: Hormonal contraceptives.Baker CC, Chen MJ.New contraception update — annovera, phexxi, slynd, and twirla.Curr Obstet Gynecol Rep. 2022;11(1):21-27. doi:10.1007/s13669-021-00321-4The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.General approaches to medical management of menstrual suppression.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
DeMaria AL, Sundstrom B, Meier S, Wiseley A.The myth of menstruation: how menstrual regulation and suppression impact contraceptive choice.BMC Womens Health. 2019;19:125. doi:10.1186/s12905-019-0827-xGalzote RM, Rafie S, Teal R, Mody SK.Transdermal delivery of combined hormonal contraception: a review of the current literature.IJWH. 2017;9:315-321. doi: 10.2147/IJWH.S102306National Center for Biotechnology Information. National Library of Medicine. National Institutes of Health.Contraception: Hormonal contraceptives.Baker CC, Chen MJ.New contraception update — annovera, phexxi, slynd, and twirla.Curr Obstet Gynecol Rep. 2022;11(1):21-27. doi:10.1007/s13669-021-00321-4The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.General approaches to medical management of menstrual suppression.
DeMaria AL, Sundstrom B, Meier S, Wiseley A.The myth of menstruation: how menstrual regulation and suppression impact contraceptive choice.BMC Womens Health. 2019;19:125. doi:10.1186/s12905-019-0827-x
Galzote RM, Rafie S, Teal R, Mody SK.Transdermal delivery of combined hormonal contraception: a review of the current literature.IJWH. 2017;9:315-321. doi: 10.2147/IJWH.S102306
National Center for Biotechnology Information. National Library of Medicine. National Institutes of Health.Contraception: Hormonal contraceptives.
Baker CC, Chen MJ.New contraception update — annovera, phexxi, slynd, and twirla.Curr Obstet Gynecol Rep. 2022;11(1):21-27. doi:10.1007/s13669-021-00321-4
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.General approaches to medical management of menstrual suppression.
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