Fact. If you've got a holiday planned or you have a sporting event coming up, you can deliberately and safely avoid getting your period if you are taking a pill that has the same dosage throughout the cycle (referred to as a monophasic pill).

You do this by taking the hormone pills continuously – i.e. not taking the sugar pills and starting a new pack of pills immediately. Taking the hormone pills continuously provides contraceptive protection as long as you take them at the same time each day.

If you decide to do this every month, however, the downside is that you may not be able to detect if you are pregnant or not. Skipping your period constantly may also mask other health problems that become apparent through changes in the amount of menstrual bleeding. But some women may be advised to do this if they suffer from endometriosis, anaemia, severe cramps, migraines or seizures during menstruation.

Make sure you speak to your doctor about what you ideally would like to do and get their advice.

Remember - if you are on a pill that has different dosages (referred to as a triphasic pill) and wish to delay your period, talk to your doctor about how to do this. Your doctor will also be able to advise you on which type of pill you are on.