Honeymoon Help: Using NuvaRing to Skip Periods (maybe recently engaged Ashlee Simpson should take note)!

So, did you all hear the news, Ashlee Simpson 23, has officially announced that she is engaged to her rocker boyfriend Pete Wentz, 28. This announcement came to me at about the same time as one of my reader’s questions about a similar topic – so Ashlee Simpson, you may want to pay attention!

Jaleasa wanted to know the following, “Help! I have been using the NuvaRing for the past 3 months and absolutely love it. Here is my question: I am also engaged and our wedding will take place in a little over a month (yay)! We have a super-romantic honeymoon planned in Hawaii…the only problem, I will be having my period on my wedding night and on our honeymoon. I’ve heard that women can skip their periods using the pill, can I do this with the NuvaRing? Please say YES!”

Well, Jaleasa, you will be happy to know that the answer to your question is yes! A woman can skip her period while using combination birth control pills by beginning her next back of pills during the start of her placebo week. Given that the NuvaRing, hormonally, works the same was as combo pills, a woman can choose to skip her period by inserting a new ring during the 4th week of use. So, when you take out your old ring after 3 weeks, instead of waiting for your withdrawal bleed during week 4 and then inserting your new ring, insert your new ring right after you take the previous one out. This will keep the hormone levels constant (just as for women who start a new pack of pills during that fourth week), and by keeping steady the supply of hormones, this will eliminate your monthly withdrawal bleed – which many women mistake as a period. Just continue doing this until you are back from your honeymoon.

And, for some extra special advice, find out all about Hawaii Honeymoons from Susan, our very own About guide to Honeymoons and Romantic Travel (she should have some great tips on how to make your Hawaii honeymoon the most romantic trip ever).

• All About the NuvaRing
• The Safety of Skipping Periods
• What Exactly is Withdrawal Bleeding?

Wedding Couple and NuvaRing Photo © 2008 Dawn Stacey