Delaying Menstruation with Birth Control: What You Need to Know

To delay menstruation and for contraception?

Hello Doctor, my last menstrual period was from February 12 to 16, and my next period is expected to be from March 16 to 20.
Since I have an important event during my next menstrual period, I would like to take the contraceptive pill on March 6 to delay my period.
After taking it for 7 days, can I have unprotected sexual intercourse for contraception? I plan to take Bayer YAZ, which contains 21 oral contraceptive pills.
Thank you! 🙏

Shen Xiaojie, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/03/06

Dr. Wu Xianghui reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
Contraceptive effectiveness is indicated after taking the birth control pill for more than 7 days.
2.
The dosages of "prevention pills" and "menstrual delay medications" differ, and may not necessarily achieve the desired duration of menstrual delay.

Reply Date: 2022/03/06

More Info

When it comes to delaying menstruation using birth control pills, it's important to understand how hormonal contraceptives work and the implications of their use. In your case, you are considering taking Bayer's YAZ (or a similar combination oral contraceptive) to postpone your period, which is a common practice among women who have important events or activities planned during their expected menstruation.

To effectively delay your period, you would typically start taking the active pills of your birth control pack continuously, skipping the placebo pills that usually follow the active pills. For instance, if you start taking the active pills on March 6, you can continue taking them without interruption until after your important event. This method can effectively delay your period until you decide to stop taking the active pills.

However, there are several key points to consider:
1. Timing and Effectiveness: It is crucial to start taking the pills at least a few days before your expected period. Since you plan to start on March 6 and your period is expected around March 16, this timing should allow you to delay your menstruation effectively. However, individual responses to hormonal contraceptives can vary, and some women may still experience breakthrough bleeding or spotting even while taking the pills continuously.

2. Contraceptive Effectiveness: If you have been taking your birth control pills consistently and correctly (i.e., at the same time every day), you should be protected against pregnancy. However, if you start taking the pills for the first time or have missed doses in the past, it is advisable to use additional protection, such as condoms, for at least the first seven days of taking the active pills. This is to ensure that you are fully protected against unintended pregnancy.

3. Consultation with a Healthcare Provider: Before making any changes to your birth control regimen, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and any potential contraindications. They can also help you understand the risks and benefits of delaying your period and ensure that you are using the contraceptive method correctly.

4. Potential Side Effects: While many women successfully use birth control pills to delay their periods, some may experience side effects such as nausea, breast tenderness, mood changes, or headaches. It is important to be aware of these potential side effects and to monitor how your body responds to the hormonal changes.

5. Alternative Methods: If you are concerned about using hormonal methods to delay your period, there are other options available, such as the use of a hormonal IUD or the contraceptive implant, which can also help manage menstrual cycles. Discussing these alternatives with your healthcare provider can provide you with more options tailored to your needs.

In summary, taking Bayer's YAZ to delay your period can be effective if done correctly. Start taking the active pills as planned, and consider using additional protection if you have not been consistently taking your birth control. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and to ensure that you are making the best choice for your health and circumstances.

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