It's not that easy to determine. Some people have gotten pregnant while taking birth control. So it's not accurate to assume that it takes a certain amount of time for it to get "out of your system." If you are trying to get pregnant, some doctors suggest waiting a week after finishing birth control, and others suggest waiting a month, others still recommend waiting until you've had a full menstrual cycle--these opinions are more than likely based on allowing your body to get back on track after stopping hormone medication, and allowing yourself to figure out how your new cycle will go. Taking birth control prohibits your body from ovulating, and regulates your cycle. When you remove the pill from the scenario, your body takes over. After getting off birth control your cycle may not be the same as it was on the pill. So there really is no "safe time."
Typically, once you stop taking birth control, you will ovulate. It could be within a week (if you're an early ovulator), or two weeks or longer depending on how your body works.
Therefore, if you are taking birth control to keep from getting pregnant, it is only as effective as how consistently you take it as directed by your doctor and the paper insert that came with the prescription. Not to mention that I hate to think of how you are messing with your body (hormones) by taking it and then not taking it. This may cause what's called breakthrough bleeding, and also alter your menstrual cycle. I'm not sure if there are any other side effects to taking it inconsistently. Also, when you start taking it, most pill pack inserts suggest using a back up method (withdrawal, condom, spermicide, etc.) the first week until the body has been adequately triggered to not ovulate, and thin the lining of the uterus. Hope this information makes it a bit more clear. Let me know if you have any other questions, and don't be afraid to call your doctor and ask them what they think about your plans. They are there to help you manage your reproductive health.
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It's not that easy to determine. Some people have gotten pregnant while taking birth control. So it's not accurate to assume that it takes a certain amount of time for it to get "out of your system." If you are trying to get pregnant, some doctors suggest waiting a week after finishing birth control, and others suggest waiting a month, others still recommend waiting until you've had a full menstrual cycle--these opinions are more than likely based on allowing your body to get back on track after stopping hormone medication, and allowing yourself to figure out how your new cycle will go. Taking birth control prohibits your body from ovulating, and regulates your cycle. When you remove the pill from the scenario, your body takes over. After getting off birth control your cycle may not be the same as it was on the pill. So there really is no "safe time."
October 21, 2010 - 7:47amTypically, once you stop taking birth control, you will ovulate. It could be within a week (if you're an early ovulator), or two weeks or longer depending on how your body works.
Therefore, if you are taking birth control to keep from getting pregnant, it is only as effective as how consistently you take it as directed by your doctor and the paper insert that came with the prescription. Not to mention that I hate to think of how you are messing with your body (hormones) by taking it and then not taking it. This may cause what's called breakthrough bleeding, and also alter your menstrual cycle. I'm not sure if there are any other side effects to taking it inconsistently. Also, when you start taking it, most pill pack inserts suggest using a back up method (withdrawal, condom, spermicide, etc.) the first week until the body has been adequately triggered to not ovulate, and thin the lining of the uterus. Hope this information makes it a bit more clear. Let me know if you have any other questions, and don't be afraid to call your doctor and ask them what they think about your plans. They are there to help you manage your reproductive health.
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