Continuous Oral Contraception: No Fewer Days of Bleeding but Fewer Symptoms

The number of bleeding days did not differ between the cyclic and continuous groups, but moderate-to-heavy bleeding days were more common in the cyclic group.

New formulations of low-dose oral contraceptives (OCs) can be prescribed in regimens that are longer than the “standard” 21-day OC cycle; these continuous regimens are claimed to reduce the number of bleeding days and to improve efficacy and quality of life. However, few trials been designed to compare the two regimens.

In a blinded trial, 62 healthy women with regular menstrual cycles were randomized to either a cyclic regimen (21-day active + 7-day placebo for 6 consecutive 28-day cycles) or a continuous (168-day active) regimen of OCs (20 µg of ethinyl estradiol and 1 mg of norethindrone acetate). The number of bleeding days was similar in the cyclic and continuous groups (35 vs. 32 days), but moderate-to-heavy bleeding days were more com…

Reviewing Author

Robert W. Rebar, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMyovant Sciences, Inc.

Editorial BoardsEndoText; Clinical OB/GYN Alert

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society for Reproductive Medicine (Member, Ethics Committee)

Robert W. Rebar, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardMyovant Sciences, Inc.

Editorial BoardsEndoText; Clinical OB/GYN Alert

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society for Reproductive Medicine (Member, Ethics Committee)