The decision to stop taking birth control pills may have been influenced by, and may affect, many aspects of your life. Perhaps you have decided to start a family or have more children, or perhaps you have decided to go with a more permanent method of birth control. Whatever your reasons to stop taking birth control pills, there are a few things that you should know before you take your last pill, the most important of which is to discuss your decision thoroughly with your doctor.
Instructions
Stop Taking Birth Control Pills
1. Schedule an appointment with your physician to discuss all of your options and reasons for wanting to stop taking birth control pills. It may be helpful to make a list, so that you can have every question answered and every concern addressed. A physical examination may be included in this appointment.
2. Plan to stop taking your birth control pills at the end of your current prescription and last cycle of pills. It will be more convenient and cost efficient, however, you can take your last pill at any point during your cycle of pills. There is no health or medical reason not to.
3. Expect some bleeding and/or spotting to occur within a week or two after you take your last birth control pill. This is normal and any bleeding should diminish within another week or two.
4. Anticipate that it will be at least four to six weeks for your menstrual cycle to resume its normal pattern. Ovulation could occur within a week of the last pill, or it could take several weeks.
5. Understand that you can become pregnant in as little as two weeks after you stop taking your birth control pills. If you do not wish to become pregnant, plan to use an alternative method of birth control.
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