How do I stop taking the pill safely?

Bottom lineYou can stop the pill at any time (many finish the current pack), but start another method like condoms straight away if you don't want to get pregnant, since fertility can return immediately; expect natural periods back within a month or two with a few irregular cycles, and any pre-pill issues may return - see a clinician if periods don't return within about 3 months, and start folic acid if planning pregnancy.

You can stop the contraceptive pill at any time, but a few things are worth knowing so you avoid an unplanned pregnancy and know what to expect from your cycle.

How to stop

• You can stop at any point, though many people finish the current pack to avoid mid-pack bleeding
• If you don't want to get pregnant, start another method (like condoms) straight away - you can get pregnant very soon after stopping, sometimes before your first period

What to expect

• Your natural periods return - often within a month or two, but it can take a little longer
• The first few cycles may be irregular as your hormones settle
• Any pre-pill issues (like heavier or more painful periods, or acne) may return, since the pill was masking them
• Fertility usually returns quickly - there's no need to "clear the pill from your system" first

If you're planning pregnancy

• Start folic acid before trying to conceive
• It's fine to try right away, though some prefer to wait for one natural period to help with dating

When to see a clinician

See a doctor if your periods don't return within about 3 months, are very irregular or heavy, or you have other concerns.

See what happens when you stop birth control for more.

Femora helps you track your cycle as it returns so you can see when it settles after stopping the pill.