When is it best to quit taking BCP?

Avatar for guanaka
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-02-2005
When is it best to quit taking BCP?
3
Thu, 04-12-2007 - 8:54am

Good morning everyone,

I know this ? has been asked & answered a million times but when is it best to quit taking BCP? I will have been on them non-stop for 2 years on May 1. Before the pill I had SUPER painful but very regular periods. I am on my 2 week of active pills and would like to stop. Should I wait until the last inactive pill...take it (which would be on a Sat.) and then just not start taking my new pack? OR can I stop taking them as early as today? Hope that when I get back to normal my periods don't kill me again. We'll see...

THANKS in advance for replying. Have a great day.

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-13-2006
Thu, 04-12-2007 - 9:25am

Hey,

Is there a reason why you would like to quit your BCP? If you're planning to conceive then you should discuss these questions with your OB/GYN. If you currently have no need for contraception, most doctors recommend continuing taking BCP because your body has to adjust every time you start and stop. I'm not a proponent of BCP but it seems like it's helping you out in more ways than one, so, unless you are experiencing side effects, it may make sense to continue taking it. However, I'm not a doctor, so I recommend you discuss these questions with your doctor, who is familiar with all aspects of your health. As far as when you can stop taking the pill, you can do it at any time but it's best to go through the 21 days (I did stop taking a pill on the 19th day with no consequences though). I hope some of this helps.

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-12-2007
Thu, 04-12-2007 - 10:16am
i would suggest that u hold off after the first 5 years, then if u wish to go back on u can, also if u are experiencing any strange feelings or notice any lumps or other strange signs on your body that is not a usual thing
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Thu, 04-12-2007 - 2:05pm

Hi

      Jill