Are you on the pill? Then it can sometimes be quite useful to swallow it occasionally. But unfortunately this also brings consequences. How long can you actually swallow without a week off? Is this actually good? We have listed all the facts and fables. Just as handy, right?
Facts and fables about swallowing the pill
As soon as you start swallowing the pill and therefore do not have a break week, you do not have to worry that you will suddenly leak through your bikini bottoms. In addition, taking the pill also helps with horrible menstrual cramps. So the solution is: swallow the pill. This sounds very simple, right? That’s what it is, but opinions are sometimes divided about it. For example, it would not be good to skip your break week too often. But is this true? We have sorted out all the facts and fables for you.
Fables
1. Is harmful to health
We can reassure you, this is not true. 99% of physicians say that it is not harmful to your health. All kinds of research has been done on this. For example at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
2. You don’t get your period
Partly true, but still a fable. Even if you swallow the pill, you may experience breakthrough bleeding for months afterwards. Losing blood while swallowing unfortunately remains normal. You can still choose to take a break week.
3. You can’t go through menopause
Certainly not true! However, as a woman you are less likely to notice that you are going through menopause. You won’t get your period then. It is therefore wise to consult with your doctor from the age of fifty whether you can stop taking the pill. This way you know whether you are in menopause or not.
4. There is less chance of you becoming pregnant during the stop week
This is absolutely a myth, because the chance is just as great as if you take a break week. It must be said that you are safe during a stop week. The pill may be a very reliable contraceptive, but it is not completely 100 percent reliable. So don’t be too lax about it.
Facts
1. Benefit for women with PMS or endometriosis
This is true. For example, in a woman with endometriosis, the uterine lining also grows in places outside the uterus. These are endometriosis foci and can cause complaints. As soon as you swallow the pill, this can reduce complaints. It can even make the hearths disappear.
2. Reduces premenstrual complaints
This is also true. But what exactly are premenstrual complaints? Think of irritations, headaches, stomach aches or mood swings. Not very nice things, so only nice if this can be reduced.
3. It doesn’t matter how long you swallow
Yes, this is certainly correct too. You can swallow as long and often as you want. It has not been scientifically proven that it is not good. However, it is true that you can get your period while taking the pill. It is therefore recommended to take a break for a week if you experience breakthrough bleeding. For the rest, it is up to you how long you want to take the pill.
4. Your sex drive decreases
Having less sex drive can be a side effect, so yes, this is true. It must be said that the emphasis is on what is possible. So it is not necessary. It can be different for every woman. Who knows, maybe your libido will remain as high as usual or you might even get more excited.
Is it possible that you experience many complaints during menstruation? Then please visit your doctor. They can always help you with this.
