When to go off birth control?

[summer]

I can't find a board to put this on.

I'm 36 and I've been on birth control on and off since I was 18. I have 1 child and am not planning on have any more. I'm seriously thinking of having this change made for good and going off birth control.

I really like being able to know when my period is coming, or skip a month if I want to. These are the reasons I am hesitant.

Do you know the risks of being on birth control this long? Do you think I should get off for good?

[mamabear]

I am not really sure about the side effects of taking birth control pills for that long. I was advised not to take birth control pills because my family has a history of breast cancer (my mother died of breast cancer) and birth control pills are not advisable for those with family history of breast cancer. It will be better to consult your Obstetrician/Gynecologist about your wish to stop taking birth control pills so she can evaluate your present condition and give you the right advise about what to do.

[summer]

I'm sure I read that people that take birth control have a lower risk of getting breast cancer. Breast cancer also runs in my family, but on my dads side.

I'm terribly sorry to hear about your mom.

I have an appointment all set up for mid September, so I will ask then.