Birth Control and 12 Hour Shifts

[sillymu, BSN, RN]

I'm currently on the pill and start my new grad residency in about a month. I've been on the pill for almost 6 years and I love it, but I want to switch to something that I don't have to take every day because I will be doing day/night rotations every 6 weeks and I'm not sure I can continue to stay on the pill and take it at the same time consistently. I am wondering what other birth control methods work for other nurses. I would like to stay on my current cycle of only having a period every 3 months. My doctor recommended nuvaring, IUD, or implanon. I asked her if I could try the patch, but she said I would need to lose about 60 pounds first. I'm working on the weight loss.

What birth control methods do you currently use or what would you recommended for a busy nurse.

[Davey Do]

I had a vasectomy in 1986, before I got married the first time.

Through three marriages, it's never let me down.

[cayenne06, MSN, CNM]

From uptodate (log on to see the citations if you are interested):

"Although studies are limited, there is no evidence that any method of contraception is significantly less effective in women with obesity [5,14,15,23]. Thus, women with obesity can be offered all contraceptive methods that are compatible with their other medical conditions"

If you want the patch , there is no reason you cannot use it. You can use patches or the lady partsl ring to suppress your menstrual cycle too.

The IUC is a great option, i highly recommend people consider long acting contraception. But not as reliable for menstrual suppression, if that is your goal. Implant is awesome too, just be aware of the potential for irregular bleeding.

(of course i am assuming you dont have any contraindications to estrogen)

[Guest219794]

From the post title, I though you were referring to 12 hour shifts as a form of birth control.

[CalicoKitty, BSN, MSN, RN]

I used the Nuva Ring for a while. It was ok. I did get some depression when I would take it out (for a week), I don't think the drastic hormone changes were good for me. Digging around for the ring is a bit awkward.

I currently use the Mirena IUD - 5 years each, on my 2nd. Hormonally, I just feel stable.

I don't think I am fertile, regardless, due to PCOS, and I never had a regular period, so right now I get a day or two of minor spotting occasionally (less than monthly).

[Luckyyou, BSN, RN]

I’m a huge fan of my Nexplanon. I think the new ones are good for five years.

[cayenne06, MSN, CNM]

26 minutes ago, CalicoKitty said:

I currently use the Mirena IUD - 5 years each, on my 2nd. Hormonally, I just feel stable.

I have a mirena too. LOVE IT. Just got mine replaced this year ❤️

[Luchador, CNA, EMT-B]

My vasectomy was the best 20 dollar copay I ever spent. Highly recommend it.

[K+MgSO4, BSN]

Just switch to taking it at night. It doesn't have to be minute on time.

Or set up a reminder on your phone. I am titrating down my PPI and use the reminder to clarify what dose I am due to take.

[sillymu, BSN, RN]

@K+MgSO4 I currently take it at 8pm, but I’m not sure I’ll be able to continue taking it around that time because I’ll be working 7a-7p for 6 weeks and then 7p-7a for the next 6 weeks and it will alternate like that for the entire first year

[CalicoKitty, BSN, MSN, RN]

Like 8pm, you can try for a time you are most likely going to be awake. Like, 5pm. Meds with breakfast or try to remember before leaving shift. Maybe you can do it for the PM (or AM) trip to/from work.

[sillymu, BSN, RN]

@cayenne06 thanks for that info. I’ll present that to her and see what she says. Menstrual suppression is what I prefer. I want the patch because I think that would be easiest. As @CalicoKitty mentioned digging around for a ring may be a little awkward. Also not sure if I’ll have huge mood swings or not. Before the pill my mood was unpredictable and cramps were unbearable. Guess I could give both a try and see how it goes.

Also I don’t have kids yet. Does the insertion of the IUD hurt? I’ve heard horror stories.