Going off the pill

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-25-2004
Going off the pill
13
Sat, 05-08-2004 - 9:55pm
Hello,

I have been on bcp for 7 1/2 years. I recently went to the dr for my yearly check up and she recommended that I go off the pill for a few months b/c I have been on it for so long. I finished the pack I was on. That period was not a normal one, late and very light. My husband and I used condoms all month. We were very careful, we don't plan on children. I was supposed to start last Saturday. A week later I still havn't started and there are no signs. In seven years I have not missed a period, except for when I was on depo 4 years ago. When I went off the depo I started my period like normal. My periods for the past 4 years have been very predictable. I could tell you what day and the exact time on when I should start. Now my question: Is it normal to miss your period after stopping the pill? While on the pill, I didn't get nauseated or light headed if I didn't take the pill at the same time everyday or even if I missed a pill, like most people do. But for the past 2 weeks I have been very sick to my stomach. Also, when my test results came back from the dr, there was an abdnormity in my results and I will be restested in June. Could this cause a problem with having my periods?

Thank you in advance for any help.

Pages

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-29-2003
Sat, 05-08-2004 - 10:26pm
Yes, anything can happen when stopping the pill! It wouldnt be unusual to not have a period. Being uneasy about your period not being on time could make your stomach upset. I know when mine isnt as soon as I expect it I get a nervous stomach. Have you taken a pregnancy test? It is rare to have a period and be pregnant(but, not unheard of). I keep one on hand just to have in case. If you are using condoms faithfully and correctly you should be ok. Several on this board recommend using a spermacide along with condoms. Personally I dont because I am allergic. I have been off the pill 10 months and using only condoms with no pregnancies.

As far as your test results being abnormal, that could have an effect on your periods depending on what the problem is. I would check with your dr on that one.
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-15-2003
Mon, 05-10-2004 - 1:12pm
Don't forget, 28 days is an *average* cycle. This means that, for women cycling on their natural hormones, a normal cycle could be longer, shorter, and/or somewhat irregular.

I've been off the pill since last June, & my periods have ranged from 29 to 36 days apart. So by the "28 day cycle" standard, ALL of them have been late. However, this isn't the way to look at it, I know that my cycle is normally 31 or 32 days, with a bit of irregularity.

No, condoms aren't foolproof, but if you've been using them correctly you should be fine. Wait as long as you can (psychologically) to test, because then you have the best possibility of a reliable -ve result (+ve pregnancy tests are seldom wrong, many false negatives result from testing too soon)..... but, if you're really stressed about it, you might as well test & find out where you are.

We aren't having any children either, so my husband has had a vasectomy. Have you considered more permanent forms of birth control if you are SURE you don't want kids?

Good Luck.

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-25-2004
Mon, 05-10-2004 - 7:18pm
Thank you very much for your help.

I went to the dr today and she said exactly what you said. I am not pregnant according to tests. She told me to wait another 2-3 weeks before worrying about anything. Because I have been so regular for so long, I forgot that the body really doesn't work that way naturally.

We have thought about a more permenant appoach but neither of our dr's will help. My husband would LOVE to get a vasectamy. But we are only 26 and the dr's keep telling us we are to young. Not to be to nosey but where did he get it done.

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-25-2004
Mon, 05-10-2004 - 7:20pm
Thank you so much for your help. I went to the dr. Seem's everything is fine for now.
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-15-2003
Mon, 05-10-2004 - 10:28pm
Canada! Alberta to be exact. He was 31 at the time & the doctor who did the procedure didn't even ask if we had children (though you could tell he assumed we did).
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-29-2003
Tue, 05-11-2004 - 8:03am
It seems that drs here in the states are more "conservative" or something like that. Maybe it is due to the high percentage of malpractice law suits in the USA! Looking back, when my husband had his done it was almost like an interrogation! Though it didnt seem that way because we "passed"! He was 41, Im 39. We had two kids. Where abouts are you from? It may be easier in a larger area to find a dr who will do it.
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-15-2003
Tue, 05-11-2004 - 10:04am
We're in one of the two major cities in Alberta.

We've heard (grape-vine style) that it was hard to get sterilized & that doctors wouldn't do it if you didn't have children, but once we started to look into it, it was easy! Our GP suggested a different GP who does the procedure in his office on Fridays - due to a cancellation we got in & had it done (one visit, consultation & procedure, 1/2 hour or less total) within two months. Then we had to wait three for the sperm test!

The other option here is to visit a urologist, which can take a year or more due to multiple appointments & cancellations.

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-29-2003
Tue, 05-11-2004 - 2:54pm
There is a 30 day waiting period (at least with our dr, but I assume it is standard procedure; same way with a tubal) before the surgery. It gives you time to think about it real good I suppose! We were referred to a urologist. Where are you from betsy?
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-25-2004
Tue, 05-11-2004 - 9:09pm
I am in Michigan, Detroit area. We had thought about looking in Canada, since we are so close. But my insurance won't cover it, so we didn't even try. I am worried for my body on the pill. I didn't realize how much it changed parts of you. My moods are so different then when I was on the pill. I feel different even. I am enjoying sex more, which isn't a good mix when you don't want kids... :) Both of our dr's told us that they won't do either procedures until we are in our late 30's or if we had 3 or more kids.

Thank you both so much for your help.

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-29-2003
Wed, 05-12-2004 - 1:20pm
Oh Man!!!! Who are they to say...!!! I cant imagine my life without my kids, but I respect and admire those who chose not to have them to get a vasectomy or tubal. There has to be a dr in such a big metropolitan area that will do it. Can you call around and see? I know what you mean about the pill and effects on your body. Maybe you could try an IUD-the copper T is hormone free(that rhymes!). Anyhow, best of luck and check back with us and let us know how its going!

Josie

Pages