How to Delay Your Period for Vacation
Periods can be disruptive, especially if they happen to coincide with an upcoming vacation. Fortunately, several ways can help delay one’s menstrual cycle for a few days.
Hormonal Birth Control
Hormonal birth control can be used to delay periods. Birth control pills contain hormones that help regulate the menstrual cycle, and some options allow users to adjust their dosage to delay the onset of their menstrual cycle.
The two types of birth control pills that can be used to delay periods are monophasic and multiphasic. Monophasic pills contain a consistent level of hormones, so they can be used to adjust a woman’s menstrual cycle by skipping the sugar pill at the end of the pill packet. Multiphasic pills that contain different doses of hormones are not a reliable method of delaying periods.
It’s essential to consult a healthcare provider first to identify the best dosage and method to delay periods and to prevent any health complications that could arise from the use of hormonal birth control.
Natural Methods
Several natural remedies can be used to delay periods, although their effectiveness could vary from one person to another. One popular natural remedy is drinking gelatin. Still, there isn’t enough scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of natural remedies used to delay periods fully.
While natural remedies can be tempting, women should seek medical advice before using them to delay their periods, particularly if they already have known medical conditions.
Medication
Some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can be used to delay periods. These drugs are prostaglandin inhibitors that decrease the production of prostaglandins, which stimulate menstruation.
The recommended dosage for ibuprofen is 600 milligrams three times a day, starting three or four days before the expected period start date, and continuing until you want the periods to come back. It is important to consult with a doctor before starting this method to ensure the right dosage, especially if one is allergic to NSAIDs.
Menstrual Cups
While wearing a menstrual cup doesn’t delay periods, it can help women manage their menstrual cycles without worrying about leaks or changing pads frequently.
Menstrual cups are worn inside the vagina, and depending on the intensity of one’s bleeding, they can be worn for up to 12 hours. The longer one wears a menstrual cup, the fewer times they have to empty it, reducing their overall menstrual bleed.
Speak With Your Doctor
If searching for alternative ways of delaying periods, consult a healthcare provider. They will guide you through the options available for hormonal contraceptives and offer additional advice on any medical concerns related to menstrual cycles.
It’s vital not to use any methods of delaying periods without consulting a doctor first, particularly if one has pre-existing medical conditions.
Conclusion
Menstrual cycles can be an inconvenience, particularly if they overlap with an upcoming vacation. Fortunately, several ways can help delay periods, including hormonal birth control, natural remedies, medication, and menstrual cups.
It’s essential to consult a healthcare provider before using any means to delay periods to ensure a safe and effective method that prevents any health complications that may arise. Lastly, it also helps to reiterate that these methods should not be used for a prolonged period without consulting a doctor.
