Hormonal contraceptives, widely known as period delay pills, are a kind of medication used for the temporary delay or temporary prevention of menstrual periods. These pills consist of artificial progesterone and oestrogen that assists in synchronising the menstrual cycle by administering the shedding and growth of the lining of the uterus.
Suppose you want to gain some useful information about how period delays pills work and the benefits of consumption of period delay tablets. In that case, a thorough reading will be extremely beneficial for you.
How do you take a period delay pill?
Medicine for menstruation delay must be taken according to the instructions provided by your healthcare professional or as directed on the packaging. Here are some general guidelines that will give you some idea.
1. Start taking the pills a few days before your period is due
In most cases, you should start taking the pills at least three days before your period is due to start. This helps ensure that the hormone levels in your body are high enough to prevent ovulation and delay your period. This is the best way of taking pills to stop menstruation immediately.
2. Take it as directed
The period delay tablet must be taken according to the directions given on the packaging. Avoid taking pills at different times every day or missing a pill, as it will reduce its effectiveness.
3. Continue taking it for the prescribed number of days
Depending on the brand of pill you are taking, you may need to take the pills for up to 21 days. It’s important to continue taking the pills for the full duration of the prescribed period to delay your period.
4. Stop taking the pills
Just as taking them as directed by the healthcare professional is important, you must also ensure that you stop taking them after the directed period. Your period should start within a few days of stopping the pills, although it may take up to weeks for some women.
It would be best if you also remembered that the intake of period delay tablets should only be considered under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as they come with several side effects and might not be suitable for everyone.
How does the period delay pill work?
One of the common queries people face is how period postpone tablets work. In the simplest terms, period delay pills work by preventing ovulation. For a successful pregnancy, the release of an egg from the ovaries is essential. Therefore, as period pills prevent ovulation and there is no egg to be fertilised, menstruation remains unnecessary.
In addition to preventing ovulation, period delay pills also thicken the cervical mucus, which makes it more difficult for sperm to reach the egg even if it is released. This provides an additional level of protection against pregnancy.
Top 5 benefits of period delay pills
Period delay tablets offer numerous benefits. Here are the top five:
1. Helps manage inconsistent menstrual cycle
Medicine to delay periods can help women better manage their menstrual cycle, allowing them to delay their period for special events, vacations, or important occasions. Moreover, it can also be specifically advantageous for women who experience heavy bleeding, cramps, or other menstrual-related symptoms that interfere with their daily or special activities.
2. Provides contraception
Medicine for menstruation delay also offers a form of contraception that prevents ovulation and thickens cervical mucus. Therefore sperms fail to reach the egg. This can help prevent unintended pregnancies and give women additional control over their reproductive health.
3. Reduces symptoms concerning PMS
PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, can cause bloating, mood swings, and breast tenderness. Period delay tablets can assist in reducing these symptoms by regulating hormones in the body.
4. Helps with endometriosis
Endometriosis occurs when the tissue typically lining the uterus grows outside, as a result leading to unbearable pain and various other symptoms. A period delay pill can help manage the symptoms of endometriosis by preventing the growth and shedding of the uterine lining.
5. Reduces the risk of anaemia
Heavy menstrual bleeding can lead to iron deficiency anaemia, which can cause fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms. Period delay medications help lower the risk of anaemia and other associated symptoms by reducing or delaying menstrual bleeding.
Learn more about period delay pills with Ova
Period delay pills are available on Ova – delivered discreetly and to you! – but these are prescription medications that should be taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Book an online consultation here with our medical team to learn more about this treatment.
Conclusion
The most important point to remember is that period-delay pills should not be used as a regular form of contraception but rather as a way to delay a period for a short period. Moreover, they might not suit everyone and have various side effects. Knowing everything in detail about the period delay Pill and seeking advice from a healthcare professional is always a wise idea.
FAQs about period delay pills
Can I buy period delay tablets over the counter?
The availability of period delay pills or tablets over the counter may vary depending on your country or region. Certain period delay pills may be available over the counter without a prescription in some places. In contrast, in other places, they may require a prescription from a healthcare professional.
How long can I delay my period for?
The time from which you can delay your period, using period delay pills depends on the type of medication you are taking and the dose your healthcare provider prescribes. Generally, most period delay pills are designed to delay your period for up to 17 days, although some medications may allow for longer periods of delay. It’s important to note that period delay pills should not be taken for extended periods of time without the guidance of a healthcare provider. Prolonged use of period delay medication can disrupt the natural menstrual cycle and lead to other health concerns.
Can period delay pills have side effects?
Yes, like all medications, period delay pills can have side effects. The specific side effects can vary depending on the type of medication you are taking and your individual health status. Some common side effects of period delay pills may include:
● Nausea and vomiting
● Headaches
● Breast tenderness
● Mood changes
● Changes in libido
● Breakthrough bleeding or spotting
● Blood clots
If you experience any of the side effects mentioned above, you must immediately contact your healthcare professional.
When should I take period delay pills?
The timing for taking period delay pills may vary depending on your individual needs and the specific medication that you are taking. However, period delay pills should generally be started at least 3 days before your expected period start date.
Suppose you are taking combined hormonal contraceptives (containing oestrogen and progestin). In that case, you should start taking the active pills in the pack immediately after finishing the active pills from your previous pack. On the other hand, if you are taking progestin-only pills, you may need to start taking the pills earlier, up to 10 days before your expected period start date. Your healthcare professional can advise you on the best time for taking your specific medication.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Book a consultation with Ova Singapore’s medical team to learn more about reproductive healthcare treatments here.