Basic HTML Version
38 | FireFlyz
Health
A Holiday Dilemma…
A
fter
putting so much hard work into organising a romantic getaway at Maldives, I
just realised that I will be expecting my menses (periods), during this time! I should
have thought of this from the start and avoided this time of the month altogether,
because getting my workaholic husband on a holiday is usually … nearly impos-
sible. Changing dates is one possible option, but that will mean that I have to go
through the hassle of paying airline fines (tickets are not refundable), additional
hotel charges, rescheduling diving activities, etc. Sometimes, you just wish that
periods can be delayed to at least a week or two later. It would have been easier if I could dictate
when it should come. So it looks like there isn’t a choice, but to live with it?
Not necessarily true. Let’s hear this
from an expert’s point of view.
T
here
are ways to delay or shift periods. Often, oral
contraceptives are prescribed to delay menses due to
the nature of the women’s occupation (scuba divers,
swimmers, etc.), travelling, when attending religious
events, etc. It is important to know that not all oral
contraceptives act the same way and give similar
responses.
There are two types of oral contraceptives – combined contracep-
tives and minipills. Combined contraceptives contain two hormones
– oestrogen and progestin. Minipills contain only progestin hormone.
Delaying periods using minipills is usually not recommended because
there is a risk of bleeding (menses) in between. Going on combined
oral contraceptives is a better and more reliable option, but one needs
to plan ahead. And we are talking about seeing your doctor at least
one month prior to the trip.
So I would advise you to seek your doctor’s advice prior to any travel
engagement if you want to delay your periods.
Dr.RamanSubramaniamisaSeniorConsultantObstetricianandGynaecologist.