OFF the pill!

Avatar for kas9066
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
OFF the pill!
10
Tue, 08-10-2004 - 12:30pm

I decided to not refill and start a new pack of my BCP since my appointment is on Tuesday (DH and I have decided to just wait). Hopefully my gyno will agree to do an IUD.


The strange thing is - I stopped my bcp because I felt like it could be the root cause of many mood issues - almost to the level of depression... and it was almost immediate - 2 days after I was off, I felt SO much better. But it was my scheduled week off (?!?!?!?!) But I have noticed so many more changes... I have been off about

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-29-2003
In reply to: kas9066
Tue, 08-10-2004 - 12:47pm
YES! YES! YES! It is normal to feel the way you do after stopping the pill! I stopped after two pills(after 20 years, minus two planned pregnancies) and I IMMEDIATELY felt great! Everything you mentioned plus I lost weight. When I dieted while on the pill I couldnt shed a pound. Now, almost a year after stopping the pill, I have lost 25 lbs! And easily I might add! (and no, Im not ill either).

As far as what to use now, IUDs can be inserted in women who have never had a child. There are several here who have them and have never had a child. I hope your dr feels it is right for you and you can be hormone-free and continue to feel so great(mention to him how great you feel off hormones)! Let us know how it goes!

Josie

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
In reply to: kas9066
Tue, 08-10-2004 - 2:04pm
What's your objection to a diaphragm? Just curious, there are a lot of misconceptions about them...

A cervical cap is another barrier option that you didn't mention. There is a silicone cervical cap available over the internet (there are silicone diaphragms available by prescription) that could be fitted by your doctor. The cervical cap is much smaller than a diaphragm, as it covers only the cervix rather than forming a dam, and it uses suction to cling to the cervix. It's used with spermicide, and when fit properly and used correctly, can be just as effective as a condom but without the loss of spontaneity or sensation. cl-dancer31 uses both a cervical cap and a diaphragm (depending on her cycle) and just raves about them, I'm sure if you have any questions she'd be more than happy to answer them!

But we do have a number of women, as Josie mentioned, who have IUD's prior to ever being pregnant. Your doctor might be agreeable to it, you'll have to ask!

Good luck! I'm jealous of how good you feel being off the hormones! :)

Judie
Co-cl for Birth Control
Judie Cl for Birth Control 
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
In reply to: kas9066
Tue, 08-10-2004 - 2:32pm
Hi kas9066,

My experience coming off the pill was just like Josies... Within a week after stopping OCs two years ago my libido came roaring back and I felt more vibrant and alive! And, I lost the bit of weight that wouldn't come off too!

As Judie said, I wear a silicone cervical cap (an Oves) or diaphragm (a Milex) and they work extremely well for me. Both can be inserted well ahead of IC so there is no reason that spontaneity can't be maintained. And silicone will avoid your latex allergy. If you are allergic to commercial spermicides with N9 there are natural ingredients ones available. Let us know what you and your doctor decide. I hope you find a non-hormonal method that works well for you.

Good luck,

      Jill

    

Avatar for kas9066
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
In reply to: kas9066
Tue, 08-10-2004 - 2:36pm

YES - when I started the bcp (I guess 2-3 yrs ago) I was the smallest I had ever been - and now I am bigger than I have ever been and no matter what I do, I cant get it off. Hopefully that can change now :)


I have seen conflicting things about the IUD being given to women who have never had a baby - something about the expulsion rate is higher for women who have not had a baby. I just cant wait to find out - I would call and ask, but she is on vacation this week - so I just wave to wait.


Thank you for the response - I'm really glad to know it isn't just in my head. :)


Avatar for kas9066
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
In reply to: kas9066
Tue, 08-10-2004 - 2:52pm

Hi Judie, thanks for the response. I suppose my hesitation is due to lack of education about them....

Avatar for kas9066
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
In reply to: kas9066
Tue, 08-10-2004 - 2:59pm

Hi Jill


I guess I just don't know enough about that option.... I'll have to Google it :) I am a little leery about it I suppose because it requires more involvement (ie - I can screw it up)

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
In reply to: kas9066
Tue, 08-10-2004 - 3:29pm
Hi Katie,

Most of you questions about diaphragms and caps are answered in the post "Diaphragms and Cervical Caps" in the FAQs at the top of the board. A diaphragm can move around a bit. A cap stays in one place held by suction to the cervix or vaginal walls, depending on the type cap. Two other silicone caps (besides Oves) are the FemCap and Lea Barrier. For what Planned Parenthood has to say about Diaphragms and cervical caps. see: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/bc/cchoices3.html#DIAPHRAGM Please let us know what you decide.

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
In reply to: kas9066
Tue, 08-10-2004 - 3:41pm
You are absolutely right, it's not difficult to learn how but a barrier takes discipline to use correctly and consistently. That's why deciding on a wearing regimen that fits your lifestyle is so important, so you aren't caught unprotected. Since my fiancé and I are very spontaneous I wear my cap continuously, only removing it every 4th morning (an Oves can be worn continuously for 72 hrs.) during my bath to clean and then reinsert it. Other than fit, deciding on your wearing regimen and sticking to it is the best way to get maximum effectiveness from your barrier.

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-15-2003
In reply to: kas9066
Tue, 08-10-2004 - 4:07pm
I have been off of hormones for over a year, & I can tell you that I wouldn't go back either!!! I began to feel "different" within a week, & I know there are other ladies on this board who felt so much better, so quickly, after going off hormones.

Irony.... when you can't get pregnant, you don't want sex. When you could get pregnant, you do want sex! Such a bummer when you don't want to be pregnant.

If you think you want kids down the road, I can't help you with birth control ideas... We are never having kids, so my husband had a vasectomy.

Good Luck with your decisions!

Avatar for kas9066
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
In reply to: kas9066
Tue, 08-10-2004 - 4:40pm

I don't ever see us having kids - but since we are still pretty young (23/27) I don't want anything permanent - but long term would be nice.


I just cannot believe how different