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These documents are for informational purposes only and are not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Ask Dr. Cullins: Birth Control



Q:  Is it safe to take the pill continuously to avoid having periods?

A:  Yes, it is — except for women who should not take the pill at all. Likewise, it is safe to use some other hormonal methods, like Depo-Provera injections or the Mirena® IUD to supress menstruation.

Up to 44 percent of U.S. women would rather not menstruate. Many use hormonal contraception to control their cycles for various reasons — to plan a honeymoon or athletic event, to alleviate medical conditions such as endometriosis, to avoid discomforts like PMS, for convenience, or simply because they don't like menstruating.

Women in prehistoric times spent more time pregnant than modern women. They only had about 160 periods in a lifetime. Modern women have about 460. Some researchers believe that reduced ovulation and menstruation among today's women may protect against cancers of the reproductive organs.



Send your sexual health questions to askdrcullins@ppfa.org. Note that due to the large number of e-mails received every day, we are unable to provide personal replies. Answers to Ask Dr. Cullins questions are periodically posted on the homepage.
This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.


Published: 07.18.03 | Updated: 06.14.06

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