For some women, a period is little more than a minor nuisance occurring around the same time each month. For many others, however, it can be a major problem that not only has the power to ruins their plans but may even jeopardize their health. If you fall into this second group, there are methods that could help you skip a period and avoid all the frustration that comes with it.
Of course, that opens another important question: is skipping a period safe and harmless?
In this article, you will learn the answer to this question and find out how to skip a period.
Is Skipping a Period Safe?
Numerous studies have confirmed that skipping periods is completely safe and reliable. Some of those studies have also found that women can skip periods even several times in a row without any consequences.
Deciding on the Method
Many women want to skip a period because they want to avoid the common symptoms like headaches, cramps, heavy bleeding, etc. There are two popular methods that can be used to skip all the emotional and physical effects of menstruations.
Both of these methods are considered birth control.
Before you opt for either of the two methods, it is important to take the following two tips into consideration.
Talk to Your Gynecologist
Taking birth control is the safest way of skipping a period. Research shows that it is also among the most effective.
Although the results are positive, you should always visit a licensed physician first. Talk to your gynecologist and explain that you want to skip a period. The gynecologist will give you further explanation and suggest a method you can take.
Think about It on Time
If you aren’t on a birth control plan already, it might take up to three months for your body to adjust to your new cycle.
With that being said, you might not be able to skip a cycle for the first few months.
To make sure that you successfully skip your period as you planned, you should start the contraceptive regimen two or three months in advance.
Considering the Options
The healthiest way of skipping a period is by using a hormonal form of birth control. That means that injections or implants aren’t advised.
The pills are, of course, your first option. There are two types of pills you can use.
Monophasic pills
Monophasic pills are known for their effectiveness as there is less spotting noticed than in multiphasic pills. These pills are stable and always contain the same mix of hormones.
Multiphasic pills
Whereas monophasic pills always contain the same hormones, multiphasic pills contain different hormones every week. The process occurs over multiple phases, hence the name. In this case, you have to take these pills in the correct order if you want to successfully skip your period.
Your second option is the NuvaRing.
NuvaRing
The NuvaRing is a small ring that contains two types of female hormones – progestin and estrogen. These hormones work together to prevent pregnancy and postpone periods.
When you insert the NuvaRing into your vagina, it will release a dose of these hormones. You should insert the ring for three weeks at a time. Each month, the NuvaRing is removed for a week to accommodate the monthly period. However, since you want to skip your period, you should keep it in for an extra fourth week.
What to Keep in Mind
How many pills do you have?
In order to skip your period when needed, you have to make sure that you have just enough pill packs. For example, if you only want to skip one period, then you must have two packs of pills.
The first pack will be used for the current month, and the second one for the next.
How many pills did you take?
You have to know how much pills you have taken because you have to start the next pack on the placebo week of your previous pack. The placebo week is your fourth week of taking the first pack.
Can you pick up a prescription?
There were cases where insurance companies didn’t allow women to pick up a prescription early. Research this a bit so that you can prepare yourself on time.
How to Skip a Period with the Pill
The following procedure must be followed as explained to make sure that you skip a period properly:
- Take your pills before the exact month during which you want to skip a period. – Talk to your doctor to find out precisely when you should start taking pills.
- After you have taken all of the active pills in the pack, take the “day one” pill from your next pack. You should take this pill on the day that you would have taken your first inactive (placebo) pill.
- Continue taking pills in your new pack.
- Your period should return when you get to the placebo pills in the new pack.
The placebo pills are typically avoided when trying to skip your period. These inactive pills are merely sugar pills that you don’t actually need.
Keep in mind that there might still be some spotting at the time when you want to skip your period, but it shouldn’t last more than a day or two. Also, remember that you are more likely to experience slight spotting with multiphasic pills.
The Final Words
These are the safest and most effective methods that can help you skip a period. If you have never used pills before, it is recommended to talk to your doctor first. Aside from pills, the second safest method is the NuvaRing.
Consider your options with your gynecologist and get all of the information needed to make sure that you successfully skip your period. Also, keep in mind that your body might need some time to adjust to your new cycle.
Now that you know how to skip a period, you can freely plan ahead your vacation, business trips, or just a long weekend getaway.
References:
https://www.wikihow.com/Skip-a-Period
https://www.verywellhealth.com/skipping-your-period-with-the-pill-906926
https://www.verywellhealth.com/withdrawal-bleeding-906612
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4075955
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2621397
Comments