Is it safe to go on and off the pill?

[lalalalie.livejournal.com]

I am taking alesse but sometimes I'll take it for a couple months then go off it for two or three months, then start back up again, etc. I just don't see the point in being on it when I'm not sexually active. I haven't had any noticeable side effects but is there any harm in doing this? Thanks :)

Comments

[archangelbeth]

No harm that I know of.

[hiriel1804.livejournal.com]

Newspapers aren't the most scientific of sources, but I've read several times that the risk of side effects (including the rare but serious ones) is highest the first few months on the pill, and that for this reason it's not recommended to go on and off more than necessary. I'm sorry I can't provide a proper source for this.

[gryphonwing.livejournal.com]

As long as you tolerate that particular pill well and you're willing to deal with the side effects of starting and stopping, I don't think there's a problem. I've done exactly this. :)

[mandy.livejournal.com]

I've done this with the NuvaRing and while I know it's not a type of pill I have not experienced any drawbacks or major side effects from doing this. Maybe a change in mood swings and emotional stability, but otherwise I've stayed normal.