Any ladies taking Seasonale? I need advice

I was wondering if you had any spotting while first taking it?  I asked my Dr. to prescribe me something short term, because I do not want it to actually prevent pregnancy (my hubby had the big snip).   I just want to stop my period from coming during the middle of my vacation this March Break.  This might sound ridiculous to some, but we are going without kids, and haven't been away together since we were married 12 years ago, so it is a bit of an epic event for me.  I didn't even realize that my cycle was due to start on the very first day of vacation :(  

Anyhow, I described the predicament to my DR. who promptly said, let's try "Seasonale".  Having not been on the pill for the last 7 years, I blindly took his advice.  When I filled it tonight,I realized that it's not a short term thing at all.  It is 91 days worth of pills, and the pamphlet also said that many women experience spotting or bleeding between cycles in the first 91 days.  That doesn't help me much, so I am a little apprehensive about taking it. I am wondering if I should even bother.

Ugh...anyone have any advice?    

I don't take Seasonale but I do take the pill to stop my periods. When I first did this I had spotting. The spotting didn't start immediately. The pill worked for the first 21 days as it should. The next 21 days was fine as well. I had spotting on the 3rd cycle of 21 days and it lasted 3 weeks.

I don't think you'll notice spotting right away so you should be fine for vacation.

Marny, it's a bit hit or miss I'm afraid.  Most woman will do fine on Seasonale or other BCP when they start, but a significant proportion will have some form of spotting some time during those first 3 month.

Ideally you should start your pills during the first day or so of your next period and keep taking them.  You could stop as soon as you get back if you have no plans to continue past your vacation time.  If you have already had your last period and your next one isn't due till your vacation, you can start the pills now but probably have a slightly higher risk of spotting :(

Not sure there is anything that will guarantee period-free vacation at this point but this is probably your best bet.

Hope you guys have a WONDERFUL time either way.  Enjoy the time away to recharge your batteries and re-connect.

Andrea.

Thanks for the advice.  I will cross my fingers.  I finished my last cycle on Saturday.  The Dr. told me to start the first Sunday after the beginning of my cycle.  I wish I had started on day 1.  If it even lightens my period, I'll be happy.  I just don;t want to deal with a heavy flow during my trip.  Here's hoping I guess!!

You could stay on teh pill tht you are taking already and just don't take the 7 day break.  It works the same as Seasonale.   This is assuming that you are on a BCP already....  You could possibly still have spotting, but I didn't.

JoAnn

Thanks JoAnn.  This is the first time I have taken the pill in about 7 years, so it is basically brand new.  Hopefully I will be one of the lucky ones that does not have any breakthrough bleeding.