mei1763508

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Feb 3, 2016
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23
Hello,
I have a question for some female cadets, (current or previous). I have been looking into some options for birth control and want to take into account some advice from those who have stood in my place before me. I know that Beast is difficult for most girls considering their periods and what not, however there are birth control options (i.e. an IUD) that would stop menstruation, I know that doctor who handles feminine issues at West Point does not deal in IUD's, and that I would have to have all my appointments concerning it at home. I am not concerned so much with the actual birth control aspect of an IUD but more with the prevention of my period. Does anyone have any advice?
 
I know a lot of girls who have had issues with them. I would not want any significant female in my life to have one because of this.
I've heard better things about the birth control that is implanted in your arm, simply because there isn't a wire in your cervix.
 
I know they have plastic ones now that do not cause as many issues. I was just wondering if anyone had sone experience with this.
 
^^^Yes, the title probably should read "IUD - Gynecology Question" to spare the faint of heart, although I doubt there are many of those types here.
 
Even with the new types of IUDs, many physicians will not recommend them to a young lady who has not had children, due to potential for perforation of the uterus and other complications that can still occur, even with the new styles . Having one in does not prevent menstruation from occurring, either. For some women, it is actually heavier, with more severe cramping. If you are intent to do this, talk with your local doctor about hormonal-based options that can temporarily stop your menstruation. Only you can decide if potential side effects on any option you choose are worth going this route. Most women whom I served with didn't see this as any bigger issue than dealing with it during sports or any other physical aspects in life.
 
Okay, thanks you guys. I know that personally I get horrid cramps and my gyno said that this is one option that may prevent both my period and cramps, my sister is on her second IUD since she turned 18 (she is 22) because the first one fell out (didn't ask to many questions there, somethings I do not want to know) but they have stopped her peiods and cramping.
 
Not sure if you're aware of how an IUD actually works? It doesn't actually stop conception- it stops implantation. Just thought I'd throw that out there- you may want to research that.
 
Ive talked to young women who report periods every 3-4 months instead of monthly with an IUD. Although this makes predicting your period much more difficult.
 
If you can take birth control pills while at Beast, you could just use them to skip a period. I'm no doctor, so I can't comment on how recommended this practice is. But, I used to be on a wildland hotshot crew and know how some girls dealt with it on fire crews. It was rather common for girls to choose to skip taking the fourth week of pills (the sugar pills) and go straight to the first week of the next package in order to avoid having to deal with menstruation while "spiked-out" in remote locations on rough, long fire details. Mind you, this was in the good old days. So, I have no idea if more recent research says this is a definite thing to avoid....I only know it works.
 
If you can take birth control pills while at Beast, you could just use them to skip a period. I'm no doctor, so I can't comment on how recommended this practice is. But, I used to be on a wildland hotshot crew and know how some girls dealt with it on fire crews. It was rather common for girls to choose to skip taking the fourth week of pills (the sugar pills) and go straight to the first week of the next package in order to avoid having to deal with menstruation while "spiked-out" in remote locations on rough, long fire details. Mind you, this was in the good old days. So, I have no idea if more recent research says this is a definite thing to avoid....I only know it works.
Yes, this is a good way to not have a period during BCT and it does work and should only be taken that way on a short term basis. Depo Provera is another form of birth control given by injection that could stop periods as well. This subject is definitely something that you should talk to your doctor about and discuss the pros, cons and potential side effects of each one. It is something that you want to start well before BCT to make sure you have no issue with it.

On the IUD issue, as someone else said above, it does not prevent conception, only the implantation of a fertilized egg. If you are not using it as a form of birth control, then why subject yourself to something that must be placed and then removed after the six weeks of BCT? I am not a fan of IUDs. What to do if you need it removed in the middle of BCT for whatever reason? Much easier if you were taking the pill. That's MHO for whatever you think it's worth. :)
 
Depo...Shot every 3 months. Arm Implant good for 3 years. Both should stop it all. Don't play with the the birth control pills. Take as directed and allow your period to come. It will be regular and not as heavy. Find out what your body tolerates. Some can not take the pill or other hormones. IUD's have come a long way, but can make things worse. Not the best advice. Stress at BCT can take your cycle all out of whack.
 
I actually had this same question and after a lot of thought and a lot of conversation with current female cadets I went on the pill (C/O 2020). I was told that we ARE allowed to bring the pill to Beast and its very easy to put it out in the morning and just take it as part of your daily routine (assuming hopefully we get woken up at the same time every morning). still talk to your gyno but essentially if you want to "skip" your period you just skip the sugar pills and just move onto the next pack immediately after the actual pills finished. It worked fine for me and I'm happy! My gyno also told me about the patch which is replaceable every week that works well. She was really against the IUD for anyone. Good luck girl!
 
On the other hand the pill can cause severe Migraines (course some people take to prevent migraines, go figure) guess the point is the hormonal changes can really impact you, so it is something you want to have tried well ahead of time.
 
Seek and listen to your gynecologist. Every person and her needs are different. My DD got the implant in her arm and it has worked well overall. But whatever you choose, start a couple months before I Day. My DD's hormones and emotions went crazy for about 2 months (everything is great now).
As an aside, I love my IUD! Never had the first problem.
 
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