From the Research
It's generally not necessary to take breaks from continuous birth control, as most healthcare providers recommend staying on continuous birth control for as long as you need contraception, without scheduled breaks. Continuous birth control methods like extended-cycle pills, hormonal IUDs, implants, or injections are designed for long-term use. The old practice of taking a week-long break every month or stopping periodically was based on outdated beliefs that the body needed to have regular periods, but medical research has shown this isn't physiologically necessary 1.
Some people may choose to take a break if they experience concerning side effects, want to check their natural menstrual cycle, or are planning to conceive. If you do decide to take a break, consult with your healthcare provider first, as fertility can return quickly after stopping hormonal contraception, and you should have an alternative contraceptive plan if pregnancy prevention remains important to you.
Key points to consider:
- Continuous birth control methods are designed for long-term use and do not require scheduled breaks
- Medical research has shown that the body does not need regular periods, making breaks unnecessary
- Breaks may be considered for side effects, checking natural menstrual cycle, or planning conception
- Consult with a healthcare provider before taking a break and have an alternative contraceptive plan in place
The most recent and highest quality study, published in 2021 in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), supports the use of continuous birth control without scheduled breaks 1. This study highlights the importance of patient and clinician discussion in selecting the optimal contraceptive method, taking into account the patient's tolerance for risk of pregnancy, menstrual bleeding changes, and personal values and preferences.