Cycles & Fertility After Stopping BCP's

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-04-2004
Cycles & Fertility After Stopping BCP's
7
Mon, 04-10-2006 - 11:31am

Hi-

I am hoping I can get some advice here. I was on ortho-tri-cycle for 1.5 years and switched to ortho-tri-cyclen lo (with no break in between) for 2.5 years. I was on the pill for a total of 4 years with no breaks at all. In December 2005 I took my last pack that lasted until mid January 2006. My first cyle off the pill was 29 days. My second one was 31 days. Here I am on my 3rd cycle and I am still waiting. Right now I am at 34 days. Before I was on BCP's my cycles were regular. I never missed a month in my life and they were always between 25-31 days. I have had pms symptoms now for almost two weeks (bloating, food cravings, mood swings, soar/swollen breasts, mild cramping, etc). There is no sign of AF, though. I also took a pregnancy test last week at day 30 and it was negative, so it's not pregnancy.

Does anyone know how long it can take it see AF? IS there anyway I can bring her on? How long can your cycles go like this? When is there reason to be concerned? When should I call my doctor if I don't see AF? I know it's all probably due to going off bcp's but I am pretty nervous.

Also, when my cycle is like this does that mean I can be infertile or can I still get pregnant?

Any help/advice would be great. As you can see I am pretty nervous. I am not sure if I should call the doctor or not.

THANKS!!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Mon, 04-10-2006 - 3:16pm

Hi crombie21, welcome!

It can take a while for your cycles to settle down after coming off hormones. My first 5 cycles off BCPs (almost 4 years ago now) were 24, 35, 30, 28 and 31 days long. Then they settled down and have been a very consistent 28 days. So what you are experiencing doesn't seem all that unusual to me. It sounds as though AF is on her way.

There is a way that you can force your period by taking a few days of progestin pills (such as Aygestin or Provera). Once you stop them the drop in progestin should force your period but your doctor might not want you to do that if this is the first time you have had a problem. It wouldn't hurt to talk to him (or her) about your situation and see what s/he recommends.

Thanks for stopping by. If you have more questions, please ask. Let us know how you're doing, ok?

Good luck,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Tue, 04-11-2006 - 7:04am

Long cycles are not at all unusual for at least the first 3-6 months off of hormonal birth control. Some women go back to their pre-pill cycles relatively quickly after stopping the pill, some women do need more time, and it doesn't seem to matter how long you've been using the pill.


You should always assume that you are fertile unless you can prove that you are not!

Judie Cl for Birth Control 
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-04-2004
Tue, 04-11-2006 - 8:42am

Hi~~

Thank you SO much for your response. I really feel a lot better after reading it. I actually have been thinking of charting so I can get a better idea about my cycles. Only thing is I have no idea how to chart or what it will show me. Is there any software I can use or any suggestions you can give me on charting? Also, what will it show me? Will it show me when I ovulate and when I am expecting my cycle? Would you suggest it? Thanks so much again. Your advice has been great!!!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-04-2004
Tue, 04-11-2006 - 8:44am

Hi Jill-

Thanks so much for your response. It has made it feel better and more at ease. I really appreciate your advice and you taking the time to respond. I will keep you posted for sure on how I am doing. I might be back for more questions along the way!!!! Hope you don't mind. Thanks again :)

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 04-11-2006 - 9:02am

Run out and get the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler. It explains the whole reproductive process and everything you need to know about charting your cycle with tons of great information. It really opened my eyes to how my body worked and I was SHOCKED at how little I knew before I read it.


 Jenn 

Mommy to Megan 1/20/01 & Sean 11/11/03

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Wed, 04-12-2006 - 8:33am

I agree, "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" has been open on my desktop for the last five weeks!

Judie Cl for Birth Control 
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-04-2004
Wed, 04-12-2006 - 11:07am

Thanks Girls!!!

Your advice means a lot. I am actually going to head out this weekend and check out the book. It sounds great and I am very interested in reading it and starting to chart after the information you have told me.

I also have some great news. Aunt Flow came last night. I feel SO much better today knowing she came.

Thanks again for evertthing. You guys have really helped me feel more at ease!!!!