Does birth control delay your period?

Birth control, also known as contraception, helps prevent pregnancy. Different types of birth control work in different ways, but none of them directly delay your period. Some types of birth control can affect the timing and nature of your period, such as:

1. Combined hormonal birth control: These contraceptives, such as birth control pills, contain estrogen and progestin, which regulate hormones and can make your periods lighter, shorter, and more predictable.

2. Progestin-only birth control: This includes contraceptive pills, implants, injections, and intrauterine devices (IUDs) that release progestin. These methods can lead to irregular or infrequent bleeding patterns, such as spotting or skipped periods.

3. Emergency contraception: Emergency contraceptive pills, often called morning-after pills, contain high levels of hormones and are used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. They may alter your menstrual cycle and cause your next period to come earlier or later than expected.

4. Intrauterine devices (IUDs): Copper IUDs do not contain hormones, but they can affect the duration and amount of menstrual bleeding. Some women experience heavier or more prolonged periods with copper IUDs.

It's important to remember that birth control methods affect individuals differently. If you have specific questions or concerns about how a particular birth control method may affect your menstrual cycle, it is best to consult with a healthcare provider.