After that, appointments are usually once a year, unless you have special problems. If you miscalculate or lose your pills, contact your health care provider or the SHS pharmacy for an extra packet of pills so you do not lose contraception protection. OCPs are a medication. Current data indicates that there is no need to stop the pills at intervals. You should never stop taking the pill without using alternative contraception if you want to avoid pregnancy.
Many women become pregnant immediately after they stop taking the pill.
If you decide you want to get pregnant, make an appointment for prenatal counseling with your health care provider before you stop taking OCPs. This counseling will provide you with important information that may be useful in preparation for a pregnancy. For example, you should take at least 400mcg of folic acid daily even before you get pregnant. Once you have completed the last pill pack, it is best to use another reliable method of contraception until you have had two to three normal menstrual periods. It may take one to two months for menses and ovulation to be reestablished.