Going off BC to TTC

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-27-2004
Going off BC to TTC
1
Mon, 08-09-2004 - 7:58pm
I'm currently taking Alesse birth control, and I was thinking about skipping the placebo pills so I don't get a period (every month, not just once). My husband and I might start TTC next year, and I'm hoping to go off the pill in January or February. My question is this: If I take my pills continuously until then, will it take my body longer to start ovulating normally than if I took the placebo pills and got a period every month?

How long does it normally take for the body to start ovulating normally after going off the pill?

Thanks!!

Wendy

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Mon, 08-09-2004 - 9:04pm
Hi Wendy, welcome!

If I were you I'd ask these questions of your doctor and be guided by his or her answers. Everyone is different so what works well for one woman may be very unsatisfactory for another. I haven't seen anything that indicated back-to-back use of oral contraceptives has any affect on the return of a woman's fertility. When I stopped taking OTC (a 21/7 regimen) 2 years ago I ovulated in about 2 weeks, but some women may take a month or two.

Staying on Aleese for 6 months (Aug. - Jan.) without a period may be difficult. I think we have had some member’s post that they have gone longer, and in some cases considerably longer on their pill, than the 3 months that is typical for extended cycle users. However, it often takes time for your body to adjust to an extended cycle and irregular bleeding is frequently a side effect until the body adjusts. Even if your doctor approves, it depends on your body chemistry and the pill you are on as to how successful you will be but you won't know until you try. Let us know what you decide, ok?

Good luck,

      Jill