Dear Feeling asexual,

There is no time limit for using the birth control pill. A woman can use birth control pills safely from the time she becomes sexually active until she reaches menopause, as long as she does not have any of the risk factors (which your health care provider can assess -- see below for a list of risk factors for taking birth control pills) for taking the pill, and does not develop a major side effect from its use. A rest period is actually not recommended for a woman wishing to continue using pills in the future, as her system has to adjust hormonally to changes that accompany going on and off the pill, as opposed to the consistency of staying on it. If you do decide to go off the pill, you will still need to think about which other form of birth control you might use in the interim -- one that may be used on an as-needed basis (i.e., condoms and foam, diaphragm, etc.). If in the future you restart the pill again, you will not have an increased risk of contracting cancer. You may find it more helpful to talk with your health care provider about your situation and contraceptive choices. At Columbia, make an appointment with a provider in Primary Care Medical Services by calling x4-2284. Outside of Columbia, contact your gynecologist or women's health care provider.

Alice

P.S.: Do not use the pill when your health history includes:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Abnormal blood clotting
• High blood pressure
• Gall bladder disease
• Sickle cell anemia
• Current smoking
• Current liver disease

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