Guide on Birth Control Methods That Result in Period Ceasing
Comparing Birth Control Methods for Period Control
Birth control methods can serve more than just pregnancy prevention. Some options are designed to stop or delay a person's period, providing an alternative for those seeking menstrual cycle control. Here, we compare four key methods in terms of effectiveness, side effects, costs, and impact on periods.
| Birth Control Method | Effectiveness | Side Effects | Cost and Notes | Effect on Periods | |----------------------------------------|------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------| | Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill (COCP) | ~99% with perfect use; user-dependent | Risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), breakthrough bleeding, possible breast tenderness, nausea | Generally low cost; widely available; requires daily use | Regulates cycles; can delay/skip periods by continuous use; may lighten periods[2][4] | | Depo-Provera Injection | 99.8% effective with correct use | Possible weight gain, bone density loss (long-term), delayed fertility return, irregular bleeding or amenorrhea | Moderate cost; administered every 3 months; less preferred over age 45 due to bone effects[1][3] | Most women become amenorrheic (stop periods) with use[1] | | Vaginal Ring (NuvaRing®) | <1% with perfect use | Similar to COCP—breakthrough bleeding, contraindicated in some patients with VTE risk, user must remember ring changes | Cost can be higher; not PBS listed (in Australia) | Can be used back-to-back to delay periods; cycle regulation possible[1] | | Birth Control Patch | 99% effective with correct use | Irregular periods, spotting, nausea, headaches, sore breasts, weight change, and depression | Weekly application; less expensive than the ring[6] | Can delay or stop periods when worn for the fourth week[7] |
Effectiveness considerations: - Long-acting methods like Depo-Provera injections and implants have higher real-world effectiveness since they don't rely on daily compliance. - COCP and vaginal ring effectiveness depends on consistent use and correct administration.
Side Effects: - COCP carries a higher risk of blood clots (VTE), especially in certain populations. - Depo-Provera may reduce bone density with long-term use and cause weight changes. - Progestin-only methods generally have fewer estrogen-related side effects but may cause irregular bleeding or amenorrhea. - Breakthrough bleeding is common with many hormonal methods, especially initially.
Costs: - COCPs are usually the most affordable daily option. - Depo-Provera injections require healthcare visits every 3 months; cost varies by region. - Vaginal rings may be more expensive and less subsidized. - Implants and IUDs have higher upfront costs but are cost-effective over time.
These methods can be used to stop or delay periods either by continuous or extended use protocols (e.g., continuous pill use, back-to-back vaginal rings, or via progestin-induced amenorrhea) and can be selected based on individual preferences, health profiles, and cost considerations[1][2][3][5].
For specific personal decisions, consulting a healthcare provider is essential to balance effectiveness, side effects, and costs suited to individual health status and lifestyle needs.
The cost of each method varies, with costs ranging from $20-$50 per month for Birth Control Pills, Birth Control Ring, and Birth Control Patch, $30-$70 per shot for Depo-Provera Injections, and $500-$1300 for Intrauterine Device.
Examples of COCs include Jolessa, Amethyst, Seasonique, Quartette, and Amethia. Each brand has a different method of use and frequency of periods.
A person places a contraceptive ring inside their vagina that releases hormones into the body to prevent ovulation. When using this as contraception, users can opt to leave the ring in to skip their period.
Pills that suppress periods are the same as regular birth control pills, but involve taking the medication for 21 days without a placebo.
There are five types of birth control that can stop periods: Birth Control Pills, Birth Control Ring, Intrauterine Device, Depo-Provera Injections, and Birth Control Patch.
If a person keeps the patch on for the fourth week, it can delay or stop periods altogether.
The failure rate of the birth control patch is around 7%.
The effectiveness of each method varies, with Birth Control Pills, Intrauterine Device, and Depo-Provera Injections having an effectiveness rate of 99%, and the Birth Control Ring and Birth Control Patch having an effectiveness rate of 93% and 99% respectively.
If a person takes contraceptive pills to stop periods, they may still experience light spotting or breakthrough bleeding.
This method involves a health professional inserting a T-shaped device into the uterus. It releases a small amount of daily progestin and can stop periods altogether for some people, but may reduce or lighten periods for others.
- Depression, a potential side effect, is associated with the Birth Control Patch, which requires weekly application and may cause irregular periods, spotting, and headaches.
- In the discussion of birth control methods, predictive science plays a crucial role in understanding effectiveness, side effects, costs, and impacts on periods.
- Hepatitis and other liver-related diseases might be contraindicated for certain birth control methods, making it essential to consider one's health profile when making a choice.
- Breast tenderness, nausea, and possibly depression are potential side effects of the Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill (COCP), a popular choice for period control due to its regulatory effects on cycles.
- Women's health encompasses various health issues, including menstruation, breast cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease, and extending its scope to birth control methods is crucial for promoting overall health-and-wellness.
- Depo-Provera Injections are administered every 3 months and are associated with side effects like possible weight gain, bone density loss (with long-term use), delayed fertility return, and irregular bleeding or amenorrhea.
- Asthma or other respiratory conditions might affect a person's suitability for certain birth control methods, necessitating careful consideration in selecting the most appropriate option.
- Some birth control methods, such as Depo-Provera Injections and progestin-based methods like the Birth Control Patch, may cause irregular bleeding or amenorrhea, while COCPs can regulate cycles and lighten periods.
- Type 2 diabetes, bipolar disorder, or other chronic conditions may influence a person's ability to use certain birth control methods, making it essential to evaluate individual health status when making a choice.
