Delay Period with Birth Control

Birth control pills are considered to be the most reliable method to avoid unwanted pregnancy by women all around the world. Birth control pills contain hormones that help in preventing pregnancy from occurring. According to the level of hormones in them, birth control pills can work in three different ways. While certain pills make sure that the sperm does not reach the egg to fertilize it, there are other types of birth control pills which see to it that ovulation does not take place. On the other hand, there are some pills which weaken the uterine lining, thus making it impossible for the fertilized egg to attach itself to it. Whatever kind of birth control pills you use, they are said to be 99% effective in avoiding the chance of pregnancy, if used properly. Hence, the pills have become a favorite among women who want to delay starting a family. However, not many women know that these birth control pills can be used to skip, as well as delay one's periods.

Birth Control Pills to Delay Periods
Birth control pills come in a pack of 21 tablets as well as 28 tablets. Women who use the 21 pills packet, take 21 pills continuously and then, stop taking the pills for seven days during which they get their periods. On the other hand, the 28 pills packet contain 21 hormone tablets and 7 placebo tablets which are also called sugar pills. These women take the 21 hormone pills for the first 21 days of the menstrual cycle and the placebo tablets which does not have any hormones for the seven days. After the seven days, they start with another pill packet. However, if a woman wants to delay period for vacation or because she has to attend a social function, party, etc. all she has to do is to discard the placebo pills and start with another set of hormone pills on the 22nd day. In other words, after she completes the 21 hormone pills, instead of starting with the sugar pills, she should begin taking another packet of hormone pills. This will help in delaying her periods for another three weeks. If she wants to delay her periods for some more weeks, she has to continue the same procedure after the 21 tablets get over.

Alternative Methods to Delay Periods
Sometimes, women who do not usually take birth control pills would want to delay period for a week or so because of some personal reason like a wedding, honeymoon, etc. In such cases, they try delaying menstrual cycle with over the counter pills. However, experts are of the opinion that this is not safe and hence, it would be best to consult a doctor before doing any such thing. Most doctors prescribe some types of pills that a woman will have to take everyday till she wants to delay her period. When she wants her periods to come back, she just has to stop taking them and her periods will resume within 3-4 days.

Though both the above given methods are effective ways of delaying periods, many women avoid using them because it has various side effects. Sometimes, women who take birth control pills to delay periods experience certain problems like nausea, mood swings, weight gain, etc. Continuous intake of these pills may cause infertility and increase the risk of having a stroke, heart attack, blood clots, etc. Therefore, there are many women who are looking for ways to delay period naturally. One of the most commonly used natural methods to delay periods is by altering the person's diet. It is said that avoiding spices like garlic, peppers and ginger in one's food can help in delaying periods. Apart from this, it will also be a good idea to refrain from eating foods like sesame, papaya, etc. that increase the body heat, thus, leading to the occurrence of periods. You have to start this diet at least 2 weeks before your period starts. Though this method does not have any side effects, its effectiveness is still questionable. Hence, you would need to try it several times to see whether it actually works in your case.

If you are making use of birth control pills to delay your periods, make sure that you start them at least 2 months before the time you want your periods to delay. This is because continuous use of these pills can give rise to spotting which is also called breakthrough bleeding. Another important thing you have to remember is that whatever method you want to choose to delay your periods, do not use it without consulting your doctor to avoid any kind of complications.