Many women take the pill because it protects against unwanted pregnancies and can prevent severe menstrual cramps. But the pill has another advantage: you can decide for yourself when your period starts. Doesn’t it work? Then you just swallow it. But, is that actually good for you? We list all the facts and fables.
swallow the pill
Do you just have to get your period when you go on vacation? Then it is very useful if you can swallow the contraceptive pill. So you don’t have to worry about whether the string of your tampon is hanging out of your bikini bottom and you are also immediately freed from those terrible stomach cramps. It’s very simple: if you swallow the pill during your gap week, you skip the next period. However, opinions are divided on this. For example, it would not be good to skip your rest week too often and there are many more facts and myths going around. Women’s Health therefore sought out what is and is not true.
fables
1. Harmful to health
No, swallowing the pill is not harmful to your health according to about 99% of doctors and doctors. Research also shows that it is not harmful. Swallowing the pill is therefore not bad for you.
2. No period
As long as you swallow the pill, you will not have your period. This is partly true, but also partly a myth. If you swallow the pill, you may experience breakthrough bleeding after a few months. It is therefore normal that you still lose blood while swallowing. In that case you can still choose to insert a stop week.
3. Not in Menopause
Are you not going through the menopause as long as you swallow the pill? No Unfortunately. This is a fable. It is true that a woman does not notice when she enters the menopause, because she is not having her period anyway. It is therefore recommended that you consult your doctor from the age of 50 to see if you can stop taking the pill, so that you know whether you are already in the menopause.
4. Less chance of pregnancy
The chance that you will get pregnant during the gap week is less if you swallow the pill, some say. But no, this too is definitely a fable. The chance of a pregnancy is just as great as if you include a stop week, because then you are also safe. The pill is very reliable as a contraceptive, but never 100%.
Facts
1. Benefit in PMS and Endometriosis
Swallowing the Pill is indeed a benefit for women with PMS or endometriosis. “In a woman with endometriosis, for example, the endometrium also grows in places outside the uterus: these are endometriosis foci and they can cause complaints,” explains Women’s Health from. If you swallow the pill in such a case, the symptoms will decrease and endometriosis can even disappear.
2. Reduces premenstrual complaints
With premenstrual complaints you should think of irritations, headaches, abdominal pain or mood swings. Swallowing the pill can reduce these kinds of complaints.
3. Doesn’t matter how long
We often hear that it doesn’t matter how long you swallow the pill. And that’s right. Some say that it is good to regularly take a break, because a period is also good for your body. However, there is no scientific evidence for this. Do you suffer from breakthrough bleeding? Then it is wise to insert a stop week. But if not, you can safely swallow it.
4. Libido
Can the birth control pill reduce your sex drive? Yes, that is (unfortunately) a fact. A lower libido can be a side effect of taking the pill. However, this does not have to be the case with every woman. On the other hand, it is therefore not the case that the libido is higher during the off week.
In short: you can swallow the pill for a while with peace of mind. If you do get complaints or have other questions or doubts, it is always wise to visit your doctor for personal advice.
Source: Women’s health, Things for Women | Image: iStock