Traditional oral contraceptive (OC) regimes consist of a 7-day break after 21 days of pill taking. Symptoms such as headaches and bleeding during the break are often unwelcome. The break also risks ‘escape ovulation’ and subsequent pregnancy.1
Shortening the pill-free interval or eliminating it is acceptable and safe.2 Tailored regimes include 21/4, 63/4, or 365/365 (daily pill-taking).
This Gem was written by Dr Orna McGinn who is the GP Liaison Women’s Health ABHD Auckland.
