Continuous Pill: Learn more about this contraceptive option

When choosing the contraceptive method, fortunately, women today have some safe options and a lot of information. Each choice has its advantages and disadvantages and its effectiveness may vary depending on the case. Among these options, the continuous contraceptive pill has been one of the most chosen methods, especially by those who do not want to menstruate.

Touted by experts as just as safe as other contraceptive methods, the continuous pill makes the woman stop menstruating, which can be a relief for those who suffer from menstruation symptoms, such as headaches, cramps and other symptoms related to menstruation. menstrual cycle.

As with any contraceptive method, the choice of the continuous pill must be carried out with the doctor, who will analyze the best options for each woman. Do not start treatment without consulting a specialist. Birth control pills are evolving every day, but they can still bring risks in some cases such as drug interactions, combined with health problems, or during breastfeeding, for example.

The continuous pill is not much different from the monthly break pills. The difference is that, without the break, the woman does not ovulate and, consequently, does not menstruate. It may seem like a magic solution, but before choosing it is important to know all the details. Learn more about the method:

How does the continuous pill work?

Dr. Marise Samama, gynecology and postgraduate professor in Assisted Human Reproduction at Instituto Gera, explains that there are two types of continuous hormonal contraceptives: the combined one and the one that contains only progestogen: “The continuous contraceptive has the same mechanism of action as the pill with pause, it inhibits ovulation. Bleeding should only occur with the pill break, but as there is no break, what is expected is that the woman does not menstruate”.

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The continuous pill can be used in any situation. It is preferably indicated for women who have a lot of menstrual cramps, PMS, endometriosis, myoma or also breastfeeding. “However, for each diagnosis, a specific type of hormonal composition is used. In breastfeeding, for example, only continuous progestin is used”, adds Dr Marise. Therefore, prior consultation with the doctor is essential.

Advantages and disadvantages

As with any contraceptive method, the continuous pill also has its advantages and disadvantages. Check out the main ones:

Benefits

Menstruation stops occurring;
Prevents uncomfortable symptoms of menstruation such as cramps and other PMS manifestations;
It can be used as a treatment in cases of endometriosis or fibroids.

Disadvantages

In certain cases, the use does not block menstruation causing frequent leaks, which makes the use of the method unfeasible;
Contains more hormones than low-dose pills;
Long-term fluid retention or vascular effects may occur;
Some women feel uncomfortable not having their period and not being able to keep up with their cycle.

Frequently asked questions clarified

No matter how much you research, there is always one question or another of what is or is not normal and what can or cannot be really bad. Even after the consultation with the doctor and everything resolved correctly, there is always that doubt about some detail, isn’t it? This happens because each body and person reacts in a way and the events of life cannot be predicted. See some of the most common doubts about the use of the continuous pill, clarified by Dr. Marise Samama:

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Does continuous contraception pill make you fat?

The risk of weight gain is the same as any pill.

Is bleeding while using the continuous pill normal?

Menstrual leakage may occur. If they are persistent, you should take a break for 3 to 5 days and then restart. If they still persist, you should consider changing the method.

Does the continuous pill affect libido?

Every hormonal contraceptive can affect libido as it inhibits ovulation. And the process of ovulation is related to sexual appetite.

Am I at risk of getting pregnant if I forget to take the pill one day?

Every time you stop taking the pill, there is a drop in hormone levels that block ovulation and then the process that leads to ovulation can start again.

Will continuous contraception disrupt my cycle?

There is no cycle when using continuous hormonal contraceptives.

Is there a difference between common pills and those used for this purpose?

In fact, there are similar pills that are used with pause. In the case of continuous combined hormonal contraception, higher hormone doses are needed to block menstruation. Therefore, these pills have a higher hormone dose than the low dose pills.

Dr. Marise also indicates that it is extremely important to understand that the choice of contraceptive method must be carried out by the gynecologist together with the woman after a careful gynecological evaluation: “It is an individualized therapy. Each method should be discussed and evaluated according to the individual needs of each woman. In addition, every hormonal contraceptive method must be evaluated for 3 months before a possible switch is made.”

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Now that you know the basics of continuous birth control pills, it will be easier for you to choose your favorite method. With the information in hand and the proper medical follow-up, you will be able to avoid pregnancy and other concerns in a more peaceful and safe way.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.