How to delay your period – what works and what doesn’t

Periods are a dose, especially if you've got something important on.

Whether it's a holiday, an occasion when you'll be wearing white or you just want to get the ride, there are lots of reasons why you might like to delay your time of the month. We've decided to look into common ways to put your period off for a while and whether or not they're actually worth trying.  

Taking your pill packets back-to-back

Not everyone will be on the pill but anyone who has will probably have heard of this as a way of temporarily postponing your period. Does it work?  If you've done this, you'll know that it does. Is it safe? Yes - ish. Last month, the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health (FSRH) released new guidelines stating that there's actually no need for women to take a seven day break from the pill. Still, some doctors are wary of it as it can cause things like bloating or spotting. The extra influx of hormones oestrogen and progesterone from taking more of your pill could also affect your skin or your mood, so that's definitely something to bear in mind!  

Apple cider vinegar

Yes, some people rely on this stuff not only to delay their monthly visitor but also to lessen symptoms once it comes. Does it work?  Debatable. According to some research conducted with sufferers of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) it can cause a decrease in insulin which helps with clotting the blood, thus lightening the flow. Basically, it might be helpful but it doesn't mean it'll stop your flow altogether. Is it safe? Yep. Apple cider vinegar has a whole host of health benefits so there's no harm in taking a few teaspoonfuls with some water.  

Ibuprofen

Some people reckon that taking a high dose of ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medication can put it off for a few days. Does it work?  Maybe for a day or two, but there are no guarantees. Anti-inflammatories reduce the production of prostaglandins, chemicals that cause the uterus to contract and shed its lining each month. Is it safe? Probably not. Though ibuprofen is available over the counter, taking high amounts has been linked with internal bleeding and even heart attacks and should not be done without consulting a doctor. We'd stay away.  

Gelatin

Dissolved gelatin in water is sometimes recommended as a way to postpone your period. Does it work?  Hmmm. From what we gather, this only delays things by three to four hours so not really. Is it safe? Yes. It's not vegan (it comes from animal tissues) but drinking some dissolved in a glass of water is unlikely to harm you.  

Some menstrual cups

OK, so this isn't technically stopping your period but using certain disposable cups like the Soft Cup or a Ziggy Cup can allow you to have blood-free sex at that time of the month. Does it work?  Yes, the ones designed to be used for sex (not reusable ones) can seriously reduce mess - but take note that they won't act as contraception. Is it safe? Yep - just make sure you take it out after sex and for God's sake, don't reuse it.  

*Disclaimer*

We're not doctors. If you have any serious questions about your period, your reproductive health or anything related, talk to your GP or visit a women's health clinic.    

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  For the month of February, Her will be #OnTheRag.  We'll be chatting all things periods, products and pain as we delve deep inside the uterus to figure out why we bleed and - more importantly - how we cope. We'll also be talking to the experts about some of the period related conditions you have heard of - and all of the ones that you haven't.  You can follow the rest of the #OnTheRag series here or follow our Instagram account for more period related content.  Want to get in touch? Email us at anna@her.ie.