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Contributor
Posts: 70
Registered: ‎03-12-2010

Re: Taking Birth Control to Delay Period?

I dont see anything wrong with asking others about their experiences! I agree about asking the doc too for sure. I have taken the pill to delay, but usually have to start way before a month prior. It takes the body time to adjust and sometimes just starting the pill causes break through bleeding which can last for weeks. At least this has been the case for me and I've done this several times. The best time to do it is after having been on the pill for a while and then you can just keep taking the active ones and skip the inactive ones for the month. I hope this helps! But definitely please get with your doc as for the best time to start! Enjoy your vacay!
Honored Contributor
Posts: 11,153
Registered: ‎05-22-2012

Re: Taking Birth Control to Delay Period?

I've done it. I talked to my doctor about the timing and would recommend you do the same. One of the possible side effects of starting the pill is spotting, so take that into consideration, too.

You can either do it by starting the pills and starting a new pack 3 weeks in instead of taking the placebo pills the 4th week OR you can start the pills months in advance and then take the placebo pills early, thus having your period earlier than expected. Since you did not start taking them in July, sounds like you'll need to go the other route, but you'll need to work with a doctor and a pharmacist to make sure you have second month on hand.

You don't want to do this on a regular basis or it confuses your system, but there's nothing wrong with doing it occasionally. Some pills are even designed so that you only have a period once a quarter.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 17,491
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Taking Birth Control to Delay Period?

The pharmacist can also walk you through it. Back in the day, before tri-phasals, this worked very well. I don't know if it works as well (or better or worse) with tri-phasals.

Basically, if you are on a 28 day pack, you don't take the sugar pills, you just start day one of the next pack the day you finish the active pills in your current pack.

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Honored Contributor
Posts: 36,947
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Taking Birth Control to Delay Period?

It's a good question, and it's a common practice but DO consult your doctor! Good luck wiht it!

Super Contributor
Posts: 2,010
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Taking Birth Control to Delay Period?

I tried it once, with my doctor's knowledge and consent, and it totally didn't work for me. I was taking the Pill anyway, so I just didn't stop for that month, and I got my period just like normal. My doctor said yes, that can happen, nothing to worry about, obviously this is something that doesn't necessarily work for everyone.

Back in 1980, I spent a year in Beijing as a student. One of the other students out there in our group was a nurse, and she took 12 months worth of Pills, straight, rather than have the inconvenience of "all that" with a foreign plumbing system. I thought it sounded very wild and radical, but my doctor said she'd have been fine.

That's just a couple of anecdotes from my own experience, not intended as actual medical advice of any kind.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 33,580
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Taking Birth Control to Delay Period?

I did it once way back when and I remember thinking I would never do it again. It messed up my system.

Consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,954
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Taking Birth Control to Delay Period?

I have a blood clotting disorder and had very heavy menstrual bleeding.

My doctor had me take three months of pills straight - no placebos. I had slight break through bleeding the first month (for less than a day).

People do this all the time for different reasons - vacations, weddings, lots of reasons.

Just call your doctor's office. I remember that I needed a note from her (or some kind of permission) to get the pill packs early.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 16,985
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Taking Birth Control to Delay Period?

I have done this many times in the past, but I agree with the others:

CALL YOUR DOCTOR'S OFFICE and explain the situation!!! Smile

Regular Contributor
Posts: 196
Registered: ‎03-14-2010

Re: Taking Birth Control to Delay Period?

I have done this with no problems,just skip the period pills and go straight to the next pack on that Sun, I do this for two months in a row then have a period. I have been on birth control pills for 25 yrs never had a problem. If you are still a little nervous wear a panty liner and carry a pad just in case. good luck

Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,954
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Taking Birth Control to Delay Period?

On 10/13/2014 adelle38 said:

You need to discuss this thoroughly with your doctor including if it's worth the risk just to prevent an inconvenience on your vacation. If you've never taken them before, there can be unexpected side effects worse than having period.

There are no risks associated with doing this.

I did it myself (my MD suggested it) and worked at PP where it was done often.

If you have enough time - some women choose to have their period EARLY and then proceed to take the 3 weeks of hormones as usual. Your MD can help you with that too.