Mending the contraceptive card: when to do it and possible effects

There is no consensus among gynecologists on how many contraceptive packs can be amended, however some doctors indicate that it is common that from the 4th pack onwards it is possible to have breakthrough bleeding. In addition, not all contraceptives can be amended, as there may be an increased risk of clotting problems.

Possible side effects

In general, there are no reported side effects related to the fact of amending the contraceptive packs, however it is possible to have breakthrough bleeding, which corresponds to a small brown bleeding. This is because due to the constant level of hormones, there is a decrease in the thickness of the endometrium, making it thinner and more sensitive, which can favor the occurrence of small bleeding. Learn more about breakthrough bleeding.

In addition, some women report that not taking the contraceptive pill makes them feel more swollen and their breasts are more painful, in addition to the common symptoms of contraceptive use. Depending on the amended contraceptive pack, there may be a greater risk of clotting problems and high blood pressure. Therefore, it is important that the gynecologist is consulted before amending the cards and when signs and symptoms appear that may be related to the absence of a pause.

When amending the contraceptive card

Not taking a break from contraceptives can be indicated by the gynecologist when the woman does not want to menstruate or wants to control PMS symptoms. As there is no variation in hormone levels, there is no imbalance of neurotransmitters, preventing PMS symptoms. In addition, some studies indicate that continued use of contraceptives decreases the long-term risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer.

Despite having some advantages, it is important that the gynecologist is consulted, because some contraceptives were developed so that there would be a break between the packs, in order to avoid constant levels of hormones, which could increase the risk of complications. Thus, it is essential that the gynecologist be consulted so that the best contraceptive for this purpose is indicated.

Why take a break from birth control?

The contraceptive pill break must be respected to allow the uterus to be cleaned, because, although the ovaries are not maturing eggs, the uterus continues to prepare itself, every month, for a possible pregnancy, becoming thicker due to endometrium.

Thus, the bleeding that occurs during the break is not a true menstruation, as it does not contain any eggs, and only exists to allow the uterus to be cleaned and to imitate the woman's natural cycle, making it easier to identify possible cases of pregnancy, when menstruation does not come, for example.

How to properly pause

The length of time between pills varies depending on the type of birth control pill you are taking. So:

21-day pills, such as Yasmim, Selene or Diane 35: the break is usually 7 days and, on those days, the woman should not take pills. The new card must be started on the 8th day of the break;
24-day pills, such as Yaz or Mirelle: the break is 4 days without contraceptives, and the new pack must be started on the 5th day. Some packs have, in addition to the 24 pills, 4 pills of another color, which do not contain hormones and function as a break. In these cases, the new pack must be started the day after it runs out and the last colored pill in the pack.
28-day pills, such as Cerazette: do not need a break as they are continuous use. In this type of pill there is no menstruation but small bleeding can occur any day of the month.

By forgetting to take the first pill of the new pack after the break, the ovaries can work normally again and an egg matures, which can increase the chances of getting pregnant, especially if you had sexual intercourse without walking during the break period. Know what to do if you forget to take your contraceptive.

In some cases, the break time may also vary according to the brand of the pill and, therefore, it is very important to read the package insert and clarify all doubts with the gynecologist, before starting the use of contraceptive pills.