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Dr. Kavita Nanda, a reproductive health expert, discusses continuous use hormonal birth control, a method allowing women to skip periods for extended durations. This approach, using pills without placebo breaks or other methods like implants, prevents ovulation and thickens cervical mucus, effectively preventing pregnancy. Dr. Nanda clarifies that continuous use is as safe and effective as cyclical use, with similar side effects, and doesn't cause infertility. The placebo week in traditional birth control pills was a historical choice, not a medical necessity, reflecting societal views of menstruation in the 1950s. Continuous use is suitable for those with painful or heavy periods or other specific health conditions.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.