Long time pill users??
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Long time pill users??
| 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.

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