Dear Krafraz,

There are no side effects associated with discontinuing the pill. However, as soon as a woman stops taking the pill, she is no longer protected against pregnancy. It often takes about one to three months for a woman's period to resume its normal cycle after she stops taking the pill - but the ability to become pregnant returns much more quickly.

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 acne, infection of the fallopian tubes (pelvic inflammatory disease, which can lead to infertility), ectopic pregnancy, and ovarian cysts.

Anyone who decides to stop taking the pill because she plans to abstain from sex for a while should be sure to have another method of birth control available, just in case she changes her mind.

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.