This discussion is now closed.

Check out other Related discussions

Restarting the pill early?

Is it OK to start a new packet of the pill a couple of days before you should do? Only, I just realised that I could have my period for a couple of days when I'm on holiday if I don't (and on an 18 hour journey... No thanks...) (I'll be in Vietnam, so not sure about the sanitation there, most places I wouldn't really mind!). I don't particularly want to go straight onto the next packet either, though, as I'm away for four weeks so it would mean skipping two periods (which I guess would make spotting more likely? I'm no doctor though, so I may be wrong there?).

So yeah, anyway, is it OK to do that? Or am I better to just skip two periods? (I'm not using the pill for contraception atm if that makes any difference, don't know if it would). Or is it best just to go to a doctor :p:

?

Reply 1

Glory

1

Probabily better running packs, although i think altering your cycle through taking pills early would be ok too. Just be warned you might get spotting, and take all of your pills.

Reply 2

Hlasta

I THINK that would be alright - but it might mean that you end up missing a period anyway if you do, so will miss 2. I think spotting would be more likely, yes, though I really am no expert.

Reply 3

Juno

20

If you mean you're on your 7 day break now and want to make that shorter, then you can. But you must never make your 7 day break longer.

However, this may have a risk of spotting.

Reply 4

Elusive Moose

OP

1

Yeah, it would be making me 7 day break shorter (probably 4 or 5 days instead).

Yeah, I know spotting's quite probable, but it's better than a full-blown period!

Reply 5

Glory

1

just take some supplies with you and keep your fingers crossed.

Reply 6

Kate.

15

You can make it shorter but it won't stop your period. Well, it's very unlikely.

Easier to just run the packs together. I've had 3 consecutive packs before and only got spotting at the very end of the 3rd.

Reply 7

devilschild

2

Slightly off topic but are there any short/long term negative effects of running several packs together, particularly if it's done regularly? Surely if there were none then women would be doing it all the time. I'm planning on running 3 packs together over the summer as i'll be staying in a very rural part of indonesia with little sanitation/proper toilets, but am not sure if this will be bad for me.

Reply 8

Lib

10

devilschild

Slightly off topic but are there any short/long term negative effects of running several packs together, particularly if it's done regularly? Surely if there were none then women would be doing it all the time. I'm planning on running 3 packs together over the summer as i'll be staying in a very rural part of indonesia with little sanitation/proper toilets, but am not sure if this will be bad for me.

There's actually a pill on the market (well, in the US at least) which only has 4 break weeks a year, which would be the same as three months run together at a time. It's probably dosed to make it less likely that you'd get break through bleeding, though.

But there's no reason not to run three packs together, just a risk that it might not work. I'm on Depo and haven't had a period in 3 years.

Reply 9

Elusive Moose

OP

1

Yeah, three packs together is supposed to be OK if you only do it once in a while. You're not supposed to do any more than that, but I remember reading a thread here where doctors had actually recommended it to people with really heavy periods. But yeah, for most people it's fine so long as it's not a regular occurance. The only problem is that your period is heavier afterwards (or I'd guess it was, it was when I skipped on period) and there is an increased risk of spotting (didn't have that problem with running two packs back to back, but never tried 3)

Reply 10

jennyflake

I ran 6 packs back-to-back (as in 6 months worth) and it was fine. Spotting occured 2 or 3 times but was nothing like a full period. And before you start saying anything the doctor told me it was absolutely fine, and the only reason we have a break is to make us feel more comfortable that everything is fine, and to check were not pregnant.

Reply 11

Jen2327

1

Your best going to the doctors!
i joined 2 packs 2gether, but i spotbled for the whole 2nd pack!
very annoying!

Reply 12

Elusive Moose

OP

1

Hmmm...well I realised I have to go back for my check-up next week anyway so I'll ask her then!

I was alright when I joined two packs together- no spotting at all both times, but apparently foreign climate effects that as does altitude etc, and it would be an extra pack too.. Hmm, not sure whether to just risk having my period when in the jungle (hopefully it would be finished by then, though) and just run on two packs or run on three... Well, I can ask her.

Reply 13

Elusive Moose

OP

1

Balls, completely forgot to ask her... So have people had any problems with running three packs together as I'm thinking that's probably the best option... Having a heavy period on the plane doesn't really appeal...

Reply 14

Glory

1

no i dont think people have. Wouldnt run packs together for more than 5/6 months without a break.

Restarting the pill early?

Related discussions

Articles for you