Effects of stopping the pill...
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Effects of stopping the pill...
| Sat, 03-27-2004 - 5:46pm |
Hi, I'm new to the board. I'm 27 years old, married, and have been on the pill for about 8 years. I'm considering stopping the pill. I am having some metabolic issues and would like to get my body back to as natural a state as possible (meaning not taking any medications that aren't absolutely necessary). I have had a low sex drive, semi-severe headaches, and mood swings and it's gotten worse in the last few months. I have no idea if those issues are related to the pill, but I'm thinking I'd like to experiment to see how I feel off the pill.
Has anyone had any experiences stopping the pill? Positive or negative side effects? I'm interested in any thoughts anyone wants to share. Thanks so much for your time.

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Most likely you'll have no ill effects...your mood swings and sex drive might improve if it was the pill causing the problems.
I had similar side effects as you while on the pill, plus weight gain. Anyway, I stopped taking the pill in Aug of last year after 20 years (minus 4 years for pregnancies). Immediately, and I mean immediately, my mood was great, no more headaches, sex drive skyrocketed, and the weight dropped off! And I have never felt better! The only thing I dont like is wondering when my period will arrive. Even though it is pretty regular, every 26-28 days, I start getting anxious about day 24 of my cycle. Let us know what you decided and if you do stop, let us know how you are feeling!
Josie
Thanks again.
Did you find a different preferred method of birth control when you stopped? I'm debating on what I will use. My husband and I have been together for about 10 years and we are pretty sure we don't want kids. However, I decided several years ago that I really wanted to wait until we're 30 (we're both 27 now) before we get him "fixed." On that note, I did tell him he could ago ahead and find a doctor, see how much it costs, etc.... just take the preliminary steps and see how we both feel.
I just finished my pill pack yesterday so "that time" will be this coming week. Next week will be my first week without it so it should be interesting. If I'm freaking out, I'm sure I'll be back for more support. Thanks again. :)
My experience has been quite similar to ilv2cook. I was on OTC for three years and during the last one my libido almost disappeared. Now that I’ve I stopped taking hormones I feel so much better, more alive and vibrant! And, my libido came roaring back within a week! I had successfully used a Prentif cervical cap before I went on the pill so I was thinking about going back to that. Researching, I found there was a new much smaller disposable silicone cap, called Oves, which can be worn for 3 days without removal. So that is what I’ve been using for 24 cycles now and it fits my lifestyle extremely well. I love how well Oves works for me!
You might want to consider an IUD which is very effective. The ParaGard (Copper-T) http://www.paragardiud.com/ is good for about 8-10 yrs. and the Mirena http://www.mirena-us.com/ , which releases a tiny bit of progestin, is good for 5 yrs. There is a slightly higher chance that a woman who hasn’t had children might expel her IUD but in a monogamous relationship PID isn’t a problem and more docs are becoming receptive to inserting IUDs for women who haven’t had children. Post and let us know what you decide.
While you’re deciding be sure to use condoms and a good spermicide, not the stuff that comes with some condoms. A good 2% Nonoxynol-9 gel works well and when combined with condoms is very effective.
Good luck
Jill
I've been out of the loop for so long that I haven't even heard of the cervical cap. I will definitely look into that and the IUD you mentioned.
Thanks again! :)
Now, when you stop the pill, dont expect your period to show up the same day it would be due on the pill. Mine was five days later. Just try and be extra extra careful this month so you dont get freaked out! And your period my not be the same as before. If you have any concerns then we would be happy to help you out!
Josie
I can't help you with what sort of birth control to choose, we waited until the post-vas sperm test for me to go off the pill.
Good Luck! Don't freak out of your first period takes a while to arrive.
If breastfeeding in public disturbs you, please feel free to put a blanket over your head or go finish your meal in the restroom.
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