Long time pill users??

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-25-2004
Long time pill users??
6
Sun, 10-01-2006 - 9:21pm

Hi ladies;

I am curious to hear about the experiences of those who have been on the pill for many years (10 yrs +) and who are in their 30's. Just wondering about positive/negative experiences, if you have noticed any changes in side effects, any other thoughts?

I am 36 and been on the same pill (ortho cept) since about age 24. I stopped for 15 mths during pregnancy and post natal ( I was on Micronor for a few months in there too!).

Also, has anyone kinda had that feeling of 'I am tired of taking the pill' or even tired of taking hormones?

Any sharing would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

R.

Avatar for tucker317
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 10-02-2006 - 1:44am

I right up there (and past ya a little) with you. More or less, with the exception of my trial and error beginning years, 6 months in a study, during my pregnancy (and I gave up on micronor and put my trust in BF twins until AF showed up), and until Feb of this year, I've been on Loovral. Actually, I had an old pack and just started back again last week until I decide what to do. From when I was 22 and I'll be 40 this week. I take other meds, so I don't know why it's such a pain, but for some reason, I'm tired of BCP. Actually, I'm tired of my periods being so screwed up and expecting just one monthly period with my BCP's (that's not too much to expect, is it?).

So that's why I'm here. Exploring my options. When I was about 38, I started having 2 periods a month on Loovral - the main one in my off week, and a shorter, but tampon requiring one, not just spotting, one midcycle. At my regular pap appt I decided to change pills. These worked fine for a few months, but now they are a source of aggravation also. I'm seriously considering the Mirena IUD - no periods, no worries, despite paying cash, I even out the cost in 2 1/2 yrs, and I won't have college payments when I'm ready to retire.

Ironically, my hubby was awake Thursday night when I got home from work at midnight and after talking about my son's doc appt, we discussed my issues. Friday, in my stuporous state (I wake up long enough to put the kids on the bus then go back to sleep) he suddenly questioned whether I should "commit myself to 5 yrs" with an IUD. He actually suggested I just take a break from BCP and see if all my headaches, period problems, etc go away! This is the man who has volunteered for the big V 3 times over the past 7 yrs b/c he doesn't want more kids. Of course he had nothing to say when I asked if he was ready to make a baby! LOL! :):) (I have always wanted 2 more)

I personally am not interested in a patch or nuvaring or diaphram or any rods stuck in my arm (might be easy to put in, but taking them out is hell from what I've heard). I don't mind the hormone part - although if I take a break and my emotions and head become normal again, I would be easy to convince otherwise.

Good luck in the decision. It is a tricky one.
Diane, mom to 7 yr old twin boys

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-26-2005
Mon, 10-02-2006 - 4:33am
I was on the Pill for 20 years > My stupid Dr took me off in February saying since I was nearing menopause I didnt need them anymore . Anyhow I am going to a new Dr on Thursday and ask her for them back . I have felt awful since being off them . Unpredictable periods are the worst and sorry but condoms are not my favorite form of birth control.
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-02-2006
Mon, 10-02-2006 - 9:22pm
YES I AM A LONG TIME PILL USER. I HAVE BEEN ON THE PILL SINCE I WAS 18. I AM NOW 34. PROS/CONS- I FEEL THAT I HAVE DEVELOPED REALLY DARK PATCHES UNDER MY EYES FROM THE PILL THAT I REALLY HAVE A HARD TIME TO COVER UP. MOST TIMES I CAN'T BUT IT HAS HELPED KEEP ME LEVEL EMOTIONALLY. YES I AM CONSIDERING HAVING MY TUBES TIED.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Tue, 10-03-2006 - 7:22am

In February I'll have been using hormonal birth control for 10 years.

Judie Cl for Birth Control 
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-19-2005
Tue, 10-03-2006 - 10:39am

I'm 38, and I've been on Tri-Levlen, TriPhasil, or Trivora (very similar formulations, just different brands) for nearly 15 years. It's been the only primary bc method I've used. My experience with the pill has been excellent. My periods are as regular as an atomic clock, and have gotten shorter with the years. It reduced my cramps. I still have some water retention (which I can take care of by reducing my salt and increasing my water), and moodiness (which is no different than without the pill). The only symptom I've had on the pill that I didn't have before is a nasty little headache the day or two before my period, but it's not severe enough to stop the pill. I've been having a little more spotting the last few years, which may be due to a change in my body's hormonal balance, since I'm pushing 40 (EEK!)

Every once and a while, I get sick of having to take the pill at the same time every day, especially during vacations. And, I HATE having to take antibiotics, because it means having to use a backup. But, I don't want children, so I'm not comfortable with other methods that may have a lower effectiveness rate. I'm also not to jazzed about an IUD because of the possibility of heavier periods. FAM can be highly effective, but is just too much of a time investment compared to 5 seconds to take a pill. Hubby and I have been talking about sterilization, but have just not gotten around to it. We'll probably revisit it when I turn 40. The risks of the pill increase after 40, and I already have some risk factors for heart disease.

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-26-2005
Tue, 10-03-2006 - 3:34pm
I started taking the pill when I was 18 (regulation of periods) and took several over the years.I stopped taking it at 31 when I was married and ready to start a family.I took it again for 8 months after the baby before going to the IUD and now I'm 35 and have had a tubal ligation.Mostly I had wonderful results and not many bad experiences when taking the pill (hated micronor though LOL)....I had to stop basicly because of high blood pressure.
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