Yes, certain types of birth control pills can be used to delay a period by a week or even longer. This practice is known as "extended" or "continuous" use of birth control pills.
Most standard combination birth control pills come in packs of 21 active pills, followed by 7 inactive pills or a 7-day break. During the week of inactive pills or the pill-free week, a withdrawal bleed (resembling a period) occurs.
However, if a person wishes to delay their period, they can skip the pill-free week and start a new pack of active pills immediately after finishing the active pills in their current pack. By doing so, they can avoid the hormone-free interval and prevent the withdrawal bleed, effectively delaying their period.
It's essential to discuss this with a healthcare provider before attempting to manipulate the pill schedule, as they can provide personalized guidance based on an individual's health history and the specific type of birth control pill being used. Additionally, not all types of birth control pills are suitable for extended use, so it's crucial to follow the healthcare provider's recommendations to ensure safety and effectiveness.