No more periods with the continuous pill, is that desirable?

The pill has always been controversial. Efficient and simple, it remains the most widely used solution although it has side effects. But what about the continuous pill?

Even if taking the pill is often discussed, remember that according to a survey by Public Health France dating from 2016, it remains the most used method of contraception by the French. Taking the pill is most common among 20-24 year olds at 52.6%, ahead of the intrauterine device (IUD) and the condom. However, this method of contraception is not only used to prevent pregnancy. In the context of continuous shooting, this “Especially helps reduce pain associated with menstruation” for cases of endometriosis according to the CHU of Quebec. “Caused by implantation outside the uterus of endometrial tissue (tissue that lines the inside of the uterus)”, this disease would affect 3 to 10% of women of childbearing age and 25 to 35% of women affected by infertility. But can you really take the pill continuously without risking additional side effects?

Of course, these explanations are only for information and cannot replace the advice of a professional. As each case is different, it is therefore important to consult your doctor if you wish to take the pill continuously, in order to find the appropriate solutions.

Read also : All you need to know about spotting, bleeding outside of your period

How it works ?

There are two ways to take the pill. First, the most applied one, where you take progestin-only or combined pills (containing estrogen and progesterone) for 21 days, with a 7-day break, with or without taking placebos. The latter is used to provoke “false rules” in a controlled manner. The second method is taking the usually progestin-only pills continuously over a 28-day period or by taking two 21-day packs of pills (progestin or combined) in a row. If received ideas suggest that continuous intake of combined pills is more dangerous for health, this is not the case. According to Le Figaro Santé, studies have shown that “Combined hormonal contraception (combined hormonal contraceptives) is as safe and at least as effective if taken for a long time or continuously as if taken in a traditional 21 day / 7 day cycle”.

To take the pill continuously and gain more control over your menstrual cycles, the CHU of Quebec explains that he “Is better to have already taken oral contraceptives according to the traditional schedule for one or two months”. You can choose to take breaks whenever you want, but you should make sure you have taken the pill for at least 3 weeks in order to keep the contraceptive working. On the other hand, if any bleeding occurs and it persists, the CHU recommends stopping the contraceptive for 7 days and resuming the strip on the 8th day where you left off.

Read also : This hormone-free gel could be the future of “female” contraception

The effects of the continuous pill

It is first of all the absence of rules that attracts menstruating people to this method of contraception. Having your period under contraception “Medically, this is of no interest” according to Prof. Philippe Deruelle, gynecologist-obstetrician and member of the National College of French gynecologists-obstetricians. He even explains to Figaro Health than “Taking the pill continuously is recommended”. In addition to this phenomenon, taking pills continuously alleviates menstrual pain, migraines and mood swings.

The side effects of taking the tablets without downtime are the same as those of the pill according to traditional use. In a scientific opinion published on January 21, 2019, the British College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recalls that studies have shown that fertility is not affected by the process. The only drawback for Professor Deruelle is that there is a risk of spotting (small bleeding) over the long term for “Just under a quarter of women”.

Taking the pill continuously does not therefore carry any more risk than the traditional regimen. If you would like to go for this process, feel free to consult.

Lea Lecuyer

With Léa, curiosity is no longer a bad thing. Lifestyle journalist, she always has good advice to boost your well-being and keeps you informed of all the characteristics of your sign …