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Best time in cycle to stop minipill?

28 December, 2016

Question:

I would like to go off the mini pill. I’m just not sure when is the safest time to stop taking it, as I heard that stopping the pill may cause breakthrough bleeding.

If I just started my period today (and took a pill as well), what is my best option?

I was thinking it may be smarter to wait till I get to mikvah and only then stop (so I won’t have issues with shiva nekiim). Hopefully then, anything that does come up will not be an issue (i.e. unnoticed stains).

I am quite nervous to have more bleeding, and will appreciate any guidance on this.

By the way, I did not have any irregular bleeding on the pill, just steady periods. Does this mean I may not have any issues with going off it?


Answer:

It is normal to experience some irregular bleeding after going off the minipill as your body adjusts to the new hormonal milieu.

One option is to wait until after tevilah as you suggested, as it allows you to take precautions against becoming niddah from any staining. See our article on stains for more details. However, should you experience an actual flow of blood (comparable to a period), you would become niddah. This is a realistic possibility, and given your anxiety about further bleeding, that may not be the best time to stop the minipill.

Therefore, a better option might be to stop a few days before you expect your next period. This way the withdrawal bleeding will likely coincide with your period, and at most will add a few extra days to the bleeding before you can start your clean days.

In any case, it is important to remember that your cycles may be a bit off for a few months after going off the minipill, so once you become tehorah, you should be careful with the precautions against becoming niddah from staining.

Please feel free to get back to us with any further questions.

B’Hatzlacha!


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