Some women may choose to stop using birth control because they wish to become pregnant or because they no longer want the hassle of taking a daily pill. According to the Mayo Clinic, as long as you are in good health, you can stop taking birth control at any time. However, side effects can occur, though most of these side effect subside after a few weeks.
Bleeding
If you choose to no longer take birth control, you can stop at any point in your cycle. However, if you quit midway through a pack, you can experience some bleeding before your period begins. Your first period after stopping birth control will begin four to six weeks after your last pill; it will take some time for your body to readjust to normal hormone levels, so the length and heaviness of your period can vary.
No Period
Some women do not get their period right away after stopping birth control. This is a condition called post-pill amenorrhea, which is due to the prevention of ovulation. When the birth control pill prevents ovulation through hormone manipulation, it also impacts the hormones that regulate menstruation. After ceasing hormone birth control, it may take some time for your body to return to normal production of hormones. If you have post-pill amenorrhea, it can take up to three months for your period to return. However, if you still have no period after six months and you are not pregnant, see your doctor.
Pregnancy
After you stop using birth control, you no longer have protection against pregnancy. Once you quit, ovulation begins within two weeks. Some women can become pregnant immediately, while it may take more time for other women. If you do not want to become pregnant, use another form of birth control, like condoms or a diaphragm.
Acne
Some women choose to use birth control to regulate their acne. Once you stop using birth control, you may notice an influx in acne on your face or other parts of your body. When your body's hormone levels regulate again, the acne can subside.
