What You Need to Know About Continuous Birth Control

This type of birth control is used the same way traditional pills are used. You take a pill daily at roughly the same time each day, which contains a combination of synthetic hormones, progestin, and estrogen. These pills will help prevent ovulation.

The difference between this birth control and traditional birth control is that you take an active pill each day. With traditional birth control, you take 21 days of active pills and then seven days of inactive pills. Taking continuous birth control for three months prevents the lining of the uterus from thickening which is what results in the menstrual cycle. After the three months, you then take seven days of inactive pills which results in a lighter period.

Continuous birth control pills can be highly effective at preventing pregnancy if taken correctly, like 97%. However, there are still some reason you can become pregnant while taking this birth control, including:

• Not taking the pill every day.

• Not starting your new pack of pills on time.

• Not taking the pills at the same time every day.

For example while on Seasonale, you increase your chance of becoming pregnant from 1 to 5 percent if you are inconsistent.

Some advantage to taking a continuous birth control pill include:

• Not as many periods.

• Lighter periods.

• Fewer or less intense menstrual migraines and headaches.

On the other hand, you should be aware of some disadvantages including:

• It must be taken every day to be effective.

• You can still contract an STI.

• Increase in spotting and bleeding between cycles.

• More difficult to tell if you do become pregnant without a pregnancy test. A pregnancy test can still come up negative if you are in the early stages of the pregnancy.

• Additional health risks are common when taking continuous birth control pills. This can include heart attack, blood clots, and stroke. If you smoke, you have a greater risk of these health risks.

As with any medications, there are common side effects that can be expected because it is a combination of hormones to help prevent pregnancy. Some of these side effects can include:

• Upset stomach or nausea, typical when first starting the pills

• Vomiting

• Headaches

• Cramping in the stomach

• Increase bloating

• Dizziness

• Irritation, itching or discomfort around the vaginal area

• Vaginal discharge or fluids

• Tenderness and swelling of the breast

• Discharge from the nipples

• Darkening of facial skin or freckles

• Increase in hair growth

• Decreased of scalp hair

• Change in appetite or weight

• Issues with contact lenses

• Fluid retention that causes swelling the feet or ankles

• Decrease in sex drive

Besides what have mentioned above, you should consult your doctor if you have any of the following more serious side effects with spotting and bleeding.

• Lumps found in the breast

• Severe changes in mood

• Severe abdominal or stomach pains

• Darkening of the urine

• Skins or eyes becoming yellow

When you forget to take a pill, take it as soon as you realize. You want to take the next pill at the usual time, even if this means taking two pills in the same day.

When you notice you have forgotten to take two active pills, you will want to take two pills as soon as you remember. You will need to take two pills the next day as well and then return to taking one pill a day until you complete the pack. However, this can increase the chances of you becoming pregnant. If you do not get your period when you are taking the white pills, or inactive pills, make an appointment with you doctor as this can be an indication that you are pregnant.

When you miss three or more active pills, leave them in the pack instead of taking them. Continue to take one pill every day as you normally would until you have completed the pack. Use a second form of birth control for at least seven days once you start the 3 month birth control pills again. If you do not get your period once you start taking the inactive pills, contact your doctor as you might be pregnant.

Throw away any of the inactive pills you miss while sticking to a schedule to take the remaining pills. Always start the next pack of pills on time.