Ok, Im not sure what to do....Question

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-21-2004
Ok, Im not sure what to do....Question
1
Tue, 09-21-2004 - 3:48pm
Hi there!

Ok, I've been going a little crazy the last few days and can't seem to get an answer or suggestion. I've been on birth control for a few years now and was planning on getting off because I have so many side effects. I just wanted to give my body a rest, plus I’m getting married next year and was planning on starting to get pregnant sometime after the wedding. So my fiancé and I decided we'd just use condoms in the mean time so that I can give my body a rest and not have the side effects. Well Sunday (9/19/04) I would have started a new month of pills (I’m 21 days on and the week of my period I’m off) so I decide instead of starting a new pack I would just stop. Well of course that night I didn't have condoms yet and we had sex anyway (he pulled out). I get really paranoid about becoming pregnant and wasn't sure if I didn't take the pills if I'd be safe with him pulling out. So being totally paranoid I started taking the pills Monday morning again. I’m so bummed because I really wanted to be off. So I guess what my question is... would I have been ok if I hadn't started my pills again since I've been on the pill for so long (doesn't it take awhile for it to get out of your system?)? Another question, would it be ok for me to stop taking them now or should I wait until after I finish this pack and have my period? I really want to get off for good but I’m not sure if that’s the best way to go....

Thank you for any help!

smallan2004

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Tue, 09-21-2004 - 8:36pm
Hi smallan2004, welcome!

>> would I have been ok if I hadn't started my pills again since I've been on the pill for so long (doesn't it take awhile for it to get out of your system?)?

You would probable have been ok, but no one can say for sure and there is a small chance that you are still at risk. If missing a pill on the first day of a new pack causes the ovulation process to start it will take several for you to ovulate so you may be safe from the 9/19 encounter. However, you could be at risk from any subsequent IC. You should be using back-up for at least the first 7 days of continuous correct pill use. Being on the pill for a long or short time makes no difference as far as returning fertility is concerned. Fertility returns quickly and many women ovulate within 2 weeks of stopping the pill. If you had IC without back-up Monday or today you might want to talk with your doctor and get his or her opinion on your situation. There is still time to for EC to be effective. See: http://ec.princeton.edu/

>> would it be ok for me to stop taking them now or should I wait until after I finish this pack and have my period?

You can stop now, but if you do you will probably bleed again for an unknown number of days. This board recommends not stopping mid-pack unless you have to.


>>I really want to get off for good but I’m not sure if that’s the best way to go....

Before you stop again, decide on what other effective form of contraception you are going to use and have the supplies on hand before you stop your pills.

Let us know how you're doing, ok?

Take care,

      Jill