Your Question:
Dear Experts,
Ok. i've been on the pill for about one year. and i stopped taking it a month ago since my bf and i would not be seeing each other for a while. So I quit it a month ago, and i havent had my period yet (so i cant start the pill right now).. but i'm seeing him tomorrow. my mom said its crucial to NOT have sex for a whiiiile after you quit the pill, contraceptives or not.. doesnt matter. i think she means both pregnancy AND health wise. my plan was to just use spermacide but now im all freaked out, what is she talking about??
lckystar111, 02.09.07
The Answer:
Dear lckystar111,
It's perfectly fine to have sex as soon as you go off the pill — but you will no longer be 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 include having more regular and shorter periods, protection against infection of the fallopian tubes (pelvic inflammatory disease, which can lead to infertility), ectopic pregnancy, ovarian cysts, and acne.
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.
If you do decide to use spermicide, back it up with a latex or female condom to increase effectiveness and to protect against sexually transmitted infection.
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.
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