Coming off the pill

[LukaryLoo]

Hey, I just wondered: I was prescribed Mercilon to control my periods and have been taking it for about 6-7 years now. Recently my friend told me that you're supposed to take a break from the pill every 5 years, and that her friend couldn't concieve because she took the pill for years and years without a having a break from it.
Is this true?
Thanks. x

[Brandye]

The break you refer to is known as a "drug holiday" and is recommended with some medications. Not necessarily with Mercilon. In the days of the higher dosage pills, many doctors did recommend a break for a month or so every few years. Fewer recommend that any more. The prescriber who has been following you is the proper source for this information. Call and ask the nurse what is recommended in your particular situation.

I am not aware of sterility resulting from continuous use of the pill.