Dear Starfire22,

When women stop using the birth control pill they are no longer protected from pregnancy.

Besides not being protected from pregnancy, women who stop using the birth control pill also give up some of the non-contraceptive benefits of using the Pill. These may include having more regular and shorter periods; protection against infection of the fallopian tubes (pelvic inflammatory disease, which can lead to infertility); ectopic pregnancy; and ovarian cysts.

The birth control pill is not addictive so there are no symptoms of withdrawal.

Anyone who decides to stop taking the Pill because they plan to abstain from sex for a while should be sure to have another method of birth control available, just in case they change their minds.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.