Using some of the contraceptive methods can cause period delay. They can make it early or late and sometimes light or heavy. Therefore, it is advised to consult with your doctor before you choose any birth control method. He or she may brief you about the same and discuss the potential benefits and risks involved. Considering the same, you can choose the one that suits you the best. Periods and contraception are somewhat interrelated. Let’s discuss the ways of pregnancy prevention that affect your menstrual cycle.
Contraceptive patch
Women wear these patches on their skin. They secrete oestrogen and progestin into the bloodstream through the skin to terminate the pregnancy. Doctors suggest using the patch for 21 days, replacing a new one once in 7 days, and going without the contraceptive for the week you have your period. However, some spotting may occur after you begin using it.
The patches ease off the menstrual cramps. They does not cause period delay. However, your menses may also become lighter. You can also skip your cycle by using a new patch as an alternative to going patch week for the period week. Nevertheless, consult with your doctor before doing so.
Vaginal ring
The vaginal ring is an elastic and tiny loop that is placed into the vagina. It discharges progestin and oestrogen and restricts the process of ovulation. Like the patch, this contraceptive is also used for 21 days. Women can go without the ring for a week (period) and insert a new loop after it. Nevertheless, in some cases, preference may demand not to go without the ring even for the period week. It is generally harmless. However, it may cause spotting and uneven bleeding. If you go a week without the vaginal ring, your periods may become lighter. In addition, you can also get some relief from painful menstrual cramps.
Implants
It is a tiny rod, which is fixed in the upper arm. It secretes progestin and cause period delay. The contraceptive implants remain effective for three weeks and must be eliminated after the time span. They can have an erratic effect on your menstrual cycle. Light or irregular periods and spots are the common effects. However, in rare cases, heavy bleeding may also occur. You should consult with your doctor in such a case.
Birth control pills
Periods and contraception are associated with a variety of birth control methods. Like the pre-discussed ways, contraceptive pills may also affect your period cycle. There are two kinds of pills; combination pills, and mini pills.
Combination pills contain progestin and oestrogen and hinder the ovulation process. There is a variety of regimens available. However, the effect of the menstrual cycle is the same. Light period, relief in premenstrual syndrome, and menstrual cramps are the obvious ones. In some cases, spotting and uneven bleeding may also occur. The mini pill is also known as a progestin-only pill. It is because the mini pill comprises progestin, which affects ovulation. However, it does not put off the process. You may experience no or light bleeding. In unusual cases, heavy bleeding may also take place. If you want to postpone your menses, consult with your gynaecologist before using period delay tablets.
Birth control injections
These shots discharge progestin to terminate the pregnancy. The birth control injections can remain effective for around 90 days. They hinder the pregnancy by preventing ovulation, making the cervical mucus thick to obstruct the sperm from meeting the egg.
The common effects on your period cycle can be spotting, irregular bleeding, light or no periods. Moreover, intense bleeding may also occur in some cases.
Intrauterine devices (IUD)
An intrauterine device is a small appliance made up of copper, which is placed inside the uterus. Relying upon the kind of IUD you choose, it can prevent pregnancy for 10-12 years. Copper makes it difficult for the sperm to reach the eggs and fertilize them. A trained nurse or doctor may fix it in the uterus during the periods. It can cause period delay. Moreover, following are the effect of IUD on the menstrual cycle–
- Throbbing menstrual cramps
- Spotting
- Intense or prolong bleeding
- Intrauterine system (IUS)
Like the intrauterine system, a doctor or a well-trained nurse can fix the IUS inside the uterus. It releases progestin, which makes the uterine line thin and solidifies the cervical mucus. This makes it hard for the sperm to meet the eggs. Some of the impacts of IUS on your menstrual cycle can be-
- Light periods
- Relieved menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome
- Spotting
- Uneven bleeding
These are the birth control methods along with their effects on the menstrual cycle. For more information about period delay and contraception, consult with your doctor.
