Birth control pills offer women a convenient and effective method of preventing pregnancy without surgery or other permanent procedures. The pill works by maintaining hormone levels in a woman's body. The American Pregnancy Association points out that two types of pills exist; one type is comprised of synthetic forms of estrogen and progesterone and the other is a progesterone-only pill. The pill is considered to be safe for long-term use. Stopping the pill is a simple process that only requires a woman consider her options and understand the benefits and potential risks of discontinuing birth control pills.
Step 1
Discuss your plans to discontinue birth control pills with a qualified health care professional. Whether the plan is to get pregnant, forgo hormonal contraceptives or switch to a different form of birth control, a health care professional can assist a woman in understanding her options.
Step 2
Determine when to stop the birth control pills with your health care provider. It is likely a woman will be advised to stop the pill immediately if the purpose is to avoid unwanted side effects. She will likely be advised to stop the pill at the end of the current month's cycle, which is typically the end of the birth control pack, when planning to get pregnant or switch to another method of birth control pill. The purpose in stopping at the end of the cycle is to ensure an accurate time frame of menstruation and future ovulation for conception purposes and to avoid overlapping doses of hormones when switching to a different birth control plan.
Step 3
Use an alternative form of birth control as soon as the pill is stopped if the plan is not to get pregnant. Other methods that can be used until the new method, if applicable, is implemented include a condom or spermicide.
Step 4
Report any negative side effects to a health care provider. It is not uncommon for a woman's menstrual cycle to become irregular for one or several months following the last birth control pill. Some spotting or break-through bleeding is also normal. If a woman bleeds heavily at any time, she should contact a health care professional. If the menstrual cycle has not become regular by the sixth month, schedule an appointment with a medical professional to identify any issues with the reproductive system.
Step 5
Continue getting an annual gynecological exam. This is an important preventative procedure that identifies cervical cancer and other potentially serious problems. The National Cancer Institute points out that several studies suggest a link between certain cancers, such as cervical and breast, and long-term birth control use. When stopping the pill, it is important to continue getting routine screenings to identify cancer, if it exists, right away.
