You might have seen people online talking about taking a “contraception holiday”, stopping their method for a while to “let their body reset.”
But is that safe? And is it necessary?
Do I Need a Break?
For most people, no.
Hormonal contraception does not build up in your body. Once you stop, the hormones leave your system quickly. There’s no medical requirement to take routine breaks from the pill, implant, or coil.
In fact, stopping and restarting can sometimes cause:
- Irregular bleeding
- Hormonal ups and downs
- Confusion about your cycle
- Increased risk of unplanned pregnancy
If you’re unhappy with side effects, switching methods is usually more helpful than stopping without a plan.
What Happens If I Stop?
With most contraception, including the pill, implant (after removal), and coil (after removal), fertility returns quickly.
That means you could get pregnant straight away.
If you’re having penis-in-vagina sex and don’t want to become pregnant, you’ll need to use another method (such as condoms) immediately.
Before stopping, ask yourself:
If I became pregnant right now, would I feel okay about that?
If the answer is no, taking a break may not be the right choice.
When Might a Break Make Sense?
A planned break can be reasonable if:
- You’re not currently at risk of pregnancy
- You’re planning a pregnancy
- You’re switching to another method
- You’re comfortable with the possibility of pregnancy
It’s also important to remember that contraception is sometimes used for more than pregnancy prevention, for example, to help with heavy periods, painful periods, acne, or endometriosis. Stopping may mean those symptoms return.
If you’re planning a pregnancy, start taking folic acid before trying to conceive.
The Bottom Line
Yes, you can take a break from contraception.
But it should be a planned, informed decision, not something done on impulse or because you feel you “should” give your body a rest.
There’s no health benefit to routine contraception holidays. If you’re unsure about your method, a review is often a better next step than stopping altogether.
Need Advice?
Essex Sexual Health Service offers free, confidential contraception advice, method reviews, switching appointments, emergency contraception and STI testing.
If you’re thinking about stopping, starting or switching contraception, we’re here to help you make the choice that works for you.
To get free condoms, download the eC-Card app.
For more information around contraception options, browse here: https://essexsexualhealthservice.org.uk/contraception/
