Periods and contraception: how they affect your menstrual flow

What are the direct and indirect consequences of our contraception on our periods? When it’s time to choose a contraceptive method, it’s important to learn about its potential effects on your cycle.

Delay, irregularity, pain, absence of periods or varying intensity—contraception can cause all kinds of changes and disruptions to your menstruation.

From the teenager just beginning her sex life to the young mom after her first postpartum period, we encourage you to take the time to learn about the different contraceptive methods available. In any case, whatever contraception you use and whatever your period is like, you’ll no doubt find the perfect period panty at Louloucup!

Louloucup takes a closer look at the most common contraceptive methods and their potential impact on your period. Be careful though: every woman and every menstrual cycle is unique. The facts in this article are general, informative observations. They may vary from one woman to another. Unsure or have a question? We strongly recommend speaking to a midwife, gynecologist or doctor.

Progestin-only contraceptive methods

In this specific case, the contraceptive methods involved are based on a single type of hormone, a synthetic progestin. The periods are artificial and exist only to reassure the woman.

The progestin-only or mini-pill

With a low-dose pill, ovulation can still occur. This type of pill is taken continuously, without a break. No periods here. The tablets, all containing progestin, prevent natural discharge and bleeding. Very light discharge and spotting may occur during your cycle. Typically, light-flow period panties (Mia and Chloé) are ideal for dealing with these occasional episodes.

The implant

This progestin subcutaneous device releases the hormone continuously into the body. The risk of amenorrhea is high with an implant (more than one in five women). Other women experience very irregular periods, light or almost non-existent. Others notice spotting.

The hormonal IUD

Just like the low-dose pill or the implant, we see significant changes in periods with the hormonal IUD. While the copper IUD tends to increase menstrual flow, the hormonal IUD has the opposite effect. Periods become very short, very light and/or irregular. They decrease so much that they may completely disappear for some women.

Injectable contraceptives

With contraceptive injections every 3 months, your periods can be heavily disrupted. They may be spaced out, delayed, early or even absent—your cycle is shaken up.

Combined estrogen-progestin contraceptive methods

Unlike progestin‑only contraception, combined oestrogen‑progestin contraceptives contain two hormones: oestrogen and progesterone. Depending on the method, periods can be delayed or even skipped altogether.

The combined or low‑dose pill

When you **take a low-dose pill**, ovulation does not occur. With the combined pill, there are two possible ways to take it:

• 21-day pill pack followed by 7 days of “periods”
• or a 28‑day pack. In this case, you take it continuously, without a break. The pack contains 21 active pills and 7 placebo pills. Bleeding occurs while taking the placebos. It is caused by the sudden drop in hormone levels.

The vaginal ring

The ring is placed in the vagina for 3 weeks, then removed for the week of your period. Users of a vaginal ring generally have short, light periods. As with other hormonal contraceptives, the vaginal ring prevents ovulation. So you don’t actually have a true period. The bleeding in the fourth week is due to a drop in estrogen. Note that the ring is the device with the lowest hormone dose (compared with the patch or the pill).

The contraceptive patch

A new patch is applied to the skin each week (stomach, shoulder, back). In the fourth week, no patch is worn and bleeding occurs. As with the ring, this is not a true period because ovulation does not take place. It is a withdrawal bleed. Some choose to wear a patch continuously to avoid this bleeding.


Non-hormonal contraceptive methods

Do you prefer that no synthetic hormones interfere with and alter your menstrual cycle? Non-hormonal contraceptive methods exist and have proven effective. Without synthetic hormones, the body naturally follows the menstrual cycle. Periods occur naturally, as do ovulation and other cycle phases: follicular phase and luteal phase!

Condoms

A classic birth control method, both female and male condoms offer a high level of protection against pregnancy and STIs. Using condoms has the advantage of not affecting your period. However, you should always use a condom, even during your period. The risk of getting pregnant and of sexually transmitted infections does not disappear during those few days of bleeding.

The copper IUD or copper coil

The IUD or copper intrauterine device is really convenient for those who don’t want hormones or on-the-spot contraception like condoms. However, a copper IUD usually makes periods a bit longer, a bit heavier and sometimes a bit more painful than before insertion. In fact, a copper IUD is not recommended for women or girls who already have a naturally heavy flow. These changes in menstruation are mainly seen in the first six months after insertion. Afterwards, many women notice an improvement and an almost complete return to normal. Others, however, continue to experience a very heavy or even hemorrhagic flow.

In this situation, Louloucup’s menstrual panties for very heavy flow or hemorrhagic flow are ideal. Super absorbent and reliable, these period underwear let you experience your period with peace of mind, even with a copper IUD.

Spermicides, cervical cap and diaphragm

A cervical cap and diaphragm are used together with a spermicide. This type of local contraception, which must be used again for each new intercourse, has no impact on your period. Overuse of chemical spermicides can cause irritation in some women but does not change menstruation.

And the morning-after pill?

This very handy form of emergency contraception is used in many situations: a torn condom, a patch that’s come off or a missed pill. Because it’s highly dosed in hormones, this tablet can affect your period. By preventing ovulation, the morning-after pill can disrupt your cycle and shift your next period by several days, either delaying or bringing it forward. You may also notice some light bleeding. Everything should return to normal in the following cycle.

IUD, pill, condom or patch, there are many options to prevent unwanted pregnancies. While some will feel reassured seeing their period arrive regularly every month, other women prefer to skip it altogether. Others again prefer the zero-hormone option with a completely natural cycle.

Choosing the right contraception, adapted to your lifestyle, your body and your personality, is fundamental in a woman’s life. We hope this has helped you see things more clearly. ❤︎