What is Continuous Hormonal Birth Control?
It is an evidence based variation of the standard, FDA approved, way to use hormonal birth control. Research to date has shown it is safe and effective to use some birth control pills or the Nuva Ring continuously without stopping for a “period” so long as four placebo periods per year are still taken. Continuous hormonal birth control includes birth control pills and the Nuva Ring. These hormonal methods prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation and preventing the ovaries from releasing eggs. Traditionally these methods are used for three continuous weeks then a one week break during which you would have a “withdrawal bleed”. This withdrawal bleed is different from a usual period. A woman has a period when she is not on hormonal birth control. The lining of the uterus thickens in preparation for a possible pregnancy. When (after ovulation) a pregnancy has not occurred the uterus sheds that thick menstrual lining. With continuous hormonal use the lining of the uterus does not thicken and
