Unwanted visits

Are there ways to make a period come quicker or later to avoid a important event? I have had it for a while and don’t feel like going on birth control, even though it’s probably a good idea with all the pain I go through on the first day and it lasting for about 5-6 days. Isn’t there any other way other than using birth control, if so please tell me. Also, if you started birth control right away how long would it take before it starts to take effect?