Ask Reya: Can I Skip My Period on Birth Control?

“How could it be that for 60 years, we have been taking the pill in a sub-optimal way because of this desire to please the pope?” –The Washington Post

Birth control pack with sugar pills included

Have you ever wanted to skip your period for a special event or vacation? When considering if you should skip your period while using the birth control pill, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Sugar pills have been part of oral contraception use since it first became available sixty-five years ago. This long history may create fear around deviating from the status-quo. Here is what you need to know before skipping your sugar pills. 

WHAT IS A WITHDRAWAL BLEED? 

The ‘period’ you experience on birth control is called a withdrawal bleed. This bleeding is different from a period because ovulation does not occur when you’re taking hormonal contraception. This bleeding may be lighter and change over time because the pill keeps the uterine lining thinner. 

A COMMON MISCONCEPTION 

Due to the long history of sugar pills, some people believe that withdrawal bleeding is an essential element of hormonal regulation. This is not true, the seven-day withdrawal is not a medical necessity. There are benefits to both continuous use and withdrawal bleeding. The decision is yours to make.

HISTORY OF SUGAR PILLS

This hormonal break comes from the genesis of the birth control pill. A brief birth control pill history begins with Katherine McCormack and Margaret Sanger going in search of a doctor to develop the pill. Dr. John Rock and endocrinologist-biologist Gregory Pincus collaborated on a hormonal method of stopping ovulation. They are credited with creating the birth control pill in the 1950s and early 60s.  

The seven-day break was incorporated into their development because “Rock thought if it did imitate the natural cycle then the pope would accept it" (Washington Post). This means the origin of sugar pills is not rooted in medicine. Although the withdrawal period comes from a religious pursuit, it can have some medical purpose. For example, withdrawal bleeding is helpful for those who want confirmation they are not pregnant. For others, however, continuous use can be medically beneficial.

IS CONTINUOUS USE SAFE? 

Since the seven-day break has been the norm for decades, continuous use may seem unorthodox. It’s normal to experience some level of hesitation when breaking a decades-old pattern. It’s important to note that continuous use can actually reduce negative symptoms. 

Some medical reasons people choose continuous use is to address symptoms: 

• migraines

• anemia

• blood clots

• premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

In 2019, the NHS updated their contraception guidelines to account for the safety of continuous use. This is not to say, that continuous use will cure all your negative symptoms. It is simply an option to discuss with your physician. In short, continuous use is more than safe, it may even be beneficial.

IN A NUTSHELL

It is safe to skip your period while using oral birth control. Despite being unorthodox, continuous use could grow in popularity as people become more informed. Some may choose to continue to have a withdrawal bleed. By indicating that you are not pregnant, this method can be both informative and comforting. 

Both standard use and continuous use have benefits. By understanding the historical and medical origins of the birth control pill, users can feel empowered in their decision making. If you’re looking for guidance, Reya’s contraception library is here for you!