Getting off and then on again on birth control?

Question

I want to get off of birth control pills for a year or so to let my body relax from the hormones and what not, and then go back on it again.

I want to know if that is safe or not. What side effects can I expect? I've talked to my doctor and two other medical people. My doctor said it's bad, and the other two medical folks said that it's perfectly fine.

Any (educational) information ya'll can give me would be much appreciated. The appointment is Tuesday, but I'll cancel it if I learn there's nothing bad about getting off and then getting on again.

Answer 1

There's nothing wrong with it. There just isn't any evidence that birth control pills are harmful and that your body needs a break from them. This is an old wives' tale. Birth control pills are safe, and they prevent some forms of cancer. Every woman I have known who has taken a break from the pill ended up getting pregnant because she couldn't adjust to using alternative birth control. Non-hormonal birth control methods are time-consuming and inconvenient and not as reliable. Unless you're willing to risk pregnancy, just stay on the pill.

Answer 2

There is nothing wrong with it. I did it many times and never did my physician tell me that it was bad. I never had any problems starting or stopping the pill.