Another suggested link is between the pill and cancer of the cervix, although many experts feel that if there is such a link, it is very small and related to other factors too. The general advice is that smokers should think about stopping the pill after the age of 30, and must change to another method at 35. Women, such as yourself, who have had an abnormal smear test may choose to stay on the pill but with extra care to look out for cancerous cells. Women who don't have added risk factors such as these, and who are using modern low dose pills, may chose to continue until they hit the menopause. The pill masks fertility problems, not causes them There is no connection between how long the pill has been used and fertility problems.
Some women do find that when they stop, it can take some time to conceive.
But this is simply because being on the pill has masked problems such as irregular periods, which would otherwise have become apparent much sooner. Some women conceive within hours of taking their last pill - so if you do stop but are not yet ready to have a child, make sure you give some thought to an alternative method of contraception. Visit our extensive Ask the Doctor library of all previously asked questions and answers covering a wide range of topics. Full A to Z listing Category listing Keyword Search using the box on the right . The BBC is not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the sites.