Should I go back on the pill?

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-01-2003
Should I go back on the pill?
8
Wed, 02-18-2004 - 10:55pm
Okay, here's my story: I was on the pill for nearly 14 years, and I went off about 9 months ago. I had a breast reduction about 6 years ago, and it seems my breasts immediately started getting bigger again. I have gained some weight, but I don't believe that was the sole cause, because I lost a lot of weight at one point in there and actually was at a lower weight than when I had the surgery, and my breasts were still about a cup size larger than immediately following the surgery.

So, I talked with my doctor who said that yes, the pill could have been causing the breast enlargement. Also, since I'd been on so long, basically all of my adult life (I went on very early because I was having ovarian cysts), we decided I'd go off the pill and see what happened.

Well, what happened is, my breasts are not any smaller 9 months later. I thought they got a little smaller the first couple months, but that was it. I'm still a D cup, and I was a small C/large B right after my surgery. Also, about the third month off the pill I started getting terrible acne! Like much worse than I ever had as a teenager! I got it on my chest, my face, my back. I posted here about that, and was told that yes, it was probably due to the rise in androgen after going off the pill. It's gotten better, pretty much confined to my face, and not as bad as before, but it's still there, and each month before my period I get 4 or 5 terrible cystic type zits on my chin and/or cheeks. Ugh.

Anyway, my husband and I have been using condoms during this time, and at first, I almost think we had sex MORE, maybe because it sort of felt like we were teenagers again or something! But now we're really sick of the condoms. And it doesn't seem like going off the pill has helped my breast situation, plus now I have the acne!

So, I guess what I'm wondering is, from a medical standpoint, have I been off the pill long enough to truly see what my body is like without it? Am I still in that getting used to it phase, since I was on it for so long? Is it likely that the pill was causing my breast enlargement? Will going back on make them even bigger?

Thanks for any input!

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-29-2003
Thu, 02-19-2004 - 8:18am
I would think you have been off the pill long enough to get an idea of how you body reacts hormone-free. I have been off the pill since Aug 2003 after being on it for almost 20 yrs(except for 2 pregnancies) and saw a difference immeadiately! Maybe your dr can suggest a pill that would be least likely to cause your breast to increase in size. As far as the acne goes, have you tried proactive? I am using the generic sold at walmart called proacne though I believe they changed the name to acne-free. There is also another generic sold at drugstore.com called klear action. It has really helped me.
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-01-2003
Thu, 02-19-2004 - 12:43pm
Yes, I'm using the Wal-mart stuff now. I think it has helped, but I still have problems, especially the monthly ones.

It does seem like most people I've talked to have said they went off the pill and saw a difference within a few weeks. So, I'm thinking that what I see is what I get.

Maybe I can try a different pill. I've been on Ortho Tri Cyclen for several years, and it was the best of the three I've been on. Can anyone suggest a pill that does NOT cause weight gain and/or breast enlargement?

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-29-2003
Thu, 02-19-2004 - 2:26pm
There is alot of good stuff on here about Nuvaring.

http://www.nuvaring.com/Consumer/index.asp

If I had to go back on hormonal birth control I would try the ring.

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-01-2003
Thu, 02-19-2004 - 10:01pm
Okay, I read the info on Nuvaring, and it does sound like it might be better than the pill. I just have one question, and forgive me if it's too graphic for this board! But if I insert this with my finger, and if it says I should pull it out with my finger, it seems to me it would be awfully easy for it to get dislodged during sexual activity, like if my husband is using his fingers on me! Know what I mean? Wouldn't he feel it? Would that be weird? And does it often come out during sexual activity?
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Thu, 02-19-2004 - 10:51pm
Hi Sandy,

The ring is held in place by the tension of the ring pushing against the vaginal walls. It is rare that your partner can feel it with his erection, but if that is the case, the ring can be removed for up to 3 hours without lessening its effectiveness. I think there have been one or two posters who have said that their partner hooked the ring but I think it’s rare. If your doc can give you samples you could give it a try.

Good luck

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Fri, 02-20-2004 - 8:06am

My fiance and I have been using Nuvaring for over a year and he's never once been able to dislodge it.

Judie Cl for Birth Control 
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-01-2003
Fri, 02-20-2004 - 8:18pm
For those who have used this, are the side effects similar to the pill? Or less than? And you really can't feel this thing when it's in? They say you can't feel a tampon, but usually I can! Do you feel it, but you get used to it? Or really do not feel it at all?
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Fri, 02-20-2004 - 8:58pm
The estrogen in NuvaRing is less than most (all I think) pills so side effects should be minimal, but I don't speak from personal experience. I wear a cervical cap or diaphragm. When I'm wearing my diaphragm (it's larger than the ring) I can't feel it when it is properly positioned so I know it's possible not to feel the ring. A few women have reported being able to feel NuvaRing when it's in place but most do not. You could get a sample or two from your doc and give it a try.

Good luck

      Jill