Introduction
It’s a common problem among menstruating people: you have an important event or a special occasion, and suddenly your period decides to show up uninvited. You don’t want to bleed through your outfit, or feel uncomfortable and irritable all night. What can you do to stop your period for a night, or at least alleviate its symptoms? Fortunately, there are various ways to temporarily reduce bleeding and cramping, without causing harm or interfering with your menstrual cycle. In this article, we’ll explore five possible methods to stop your period for a night: natural remedies, period cups, birth control pills, Tranexamic acid, and sponge tampons.
Natural Remedies
Some people prefer to use natural remedies or alternative therapies to manage their period symptoms, as they may be less invasive or have fewer side-effects than medications. Some common natural remedies for periods include:
- Drinking raspberry tea or other herbal teas
- Taking warm baths or using heat patches on the lower abdomen
- Applying essential oils such as lavender or peppermint to the skin
- Taking herbal supplements such as Vitex, Dong Quai, or Black Cohosh
While these remedies may not work for everyone, they can help reduce cramps and bleeding for a short period of time. However, it’s important to follow some tips or precautions when using natural remedies:
- Consult a doctor or a qualified herbalist before taking any new herb, as it may interact with other medications or have contraindications
- Don’t rely solely on natural remedies if your bleeding is heavy or prolonged, or if you experience other severe symptoms such as fever, nausea, or fainting
- Be aware that natural remedies may not be regulated by the FDA or other health authorities, and their safety and efficacy may vary depending on the source and the dosage
Period Cups
Another option to stop your period for a night is to use a menstrual cup, a reusable silicone or rubber cup that collects the blood instead of absorbing it like pads or tampons. Menstrual cups have become increasingly popular in recent years, as they are more eco-friendly, cost-effective, and convenient than traditional menstrual products. Here are some tips on using menstrual cups:
- Choose the right size and shape of the cup based on your flow, cervix height, and vaginal anatomy
- Insert the cup by folding it and then letting it open up inside the vagina
- Make sure the cup is fully inserted and creating a seal, to prevent leaks or spills
- Empty the cup every 8-12 hours, depending on your flow, and rinse it with warm water and mild soap before reinserting it
Using a menstrual cup can be a good option if you want to sleep without worrying about bleeding or changing your pad or tampon. However, it may take some practice and patience to get used to inserting and removing the cup, and some people may experience discomfort or leakage at first. If you’re not sure whether menstrual cups are right for you, you can try different brands or sizes, or ask for advice from cup users or gynecologists.
Birth Control Pills
If you’re looking for a more reliable and long-term way to stop your period for a night or a few days, you can consider using birth control pills or other hormonal contraceptives. Birth control pills contain synthetic versions of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which regulate the menstrual cycle and prevent ovulation. Here are some pros and cons of using birth control pills to manage your period:
- Pros:
- Reduce the frequency, duration, and intensity of periods
- Allow you to skip the placebo week and avoid having a period altogether
- May reduce acne, PMS, and other menstrual-related symptoms
- Cons:
- May cause side-effects such as nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, or mood changes
- May not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, blood clots, or history of breast cancer
- May not offer protection against STIs or unwanted pregnancy, and may require additional methods such as condoms
If you’re interested in using birth control pills to stop your period, you should consult a doctor or a nurse first, to discuss your options, your medical history, and any potential risks or benefits. You may also need to do a trial run of one or two cycles, to see how your body reacts to the pill and to adjust the timing and dosage. Keep in mind that taking birth control pills doesn’t guarantee that you won’t have any bleeding or spotting, especially in the first few months of using them, and that you should always use them as directed by your healthcare provider.
Tranexamic Acid
An alternative to natural remedies and contraceptives is to use a medication called Tranexamic acid, which works to reduce bleeding by preventing blood clots from breaking down. Tranexamic acid is available by prescription only, and should be taken under medical supervision, as it may have some risks and contraindications. Here are some things to know about Tranexamic acid:
- It’s usually taken as a pill or a liquid, starting from the first day of the period and continuing for 3-5 days
- It can be combined with other period remedies such as ibuprofen, heat therapy, or birth control pills, for better effect
- It’s not recommended for people with a history of blood clots, kidney or liver disease, or allergies to the drug
- It may cause side-effects such as stomach upset, headache, dizziness, or skin rash, and should be stopped if they become severe
If you’re considering using Tranexamic acid to stop your period for a night or a few days, you should talk to your doctor first, to make sure it’s safe for you and to get a prescription. Tranexamic acid may not be effective for all types of heavy bleeding, and may need to be combined with other treatments, based on your individual needs and symptoms.
Sponge Tampons
Finally, a lesser-known option to stop your period for a night is to use sponge tampons, which are similar to menstrual sponges but smaller and shaped like regular tampons. Sponge tampons are made of natural sea sponges that are harvested and sanitized for menstrual use, and can be reused for several cycles. Here are some benefits of using sponge tampons:
- Provide gentle and natural absorption of blood, without drying out or irritating the vaginal tissues
- Can be used during sleep and provide extra protection against leaks
- Can be washed with soap and water, boiled, or soaked in vinegar solution to prevent odor and bacteria buildup
- Are environmentally-friendly and sustainable, as they don’t contribute to landfill waste or pollution
To use sponge tampons, you need to wet them with warm water and insert them by pushing them up with your fingers. You can also add some lubricant or use a menstrual cup-style fold to make insertion easier. When you remove the sponge tampon, you can rinse it with warm water and soap, squeeze it out, and store it in a clean and dry place until next use. Sponge tampons may not be suitable for everyone, especially if you have allergies to sea sponges, or if you’re not comfortable with touching and reusing them.
Conclusion
Managing your period can be challenging and unpredictable, but it doesn’t have to ruin your day or your night. By trying different remedies and methods, you can find the one that suits your lifestyle, your preferences, and your health needs. Whether you choose to use natural remedies, menstrual cups, birth control pills, Tranexamic acid, or sponge tampons, make sure to follow the instructions and precautions carefully, and to seek medical advice if you have any doubts or concerns. Remember that having a period is a normal and healthy process, and that there’s no shame in seeking help to manage it comfortably.
