Going off of Hormone birth control (b/c of side effects)

sarahjoy2013

I've been on hormonal birth control pills for almost 4 years...as long as we've been married..and not only is it killing our sex life (only do it maybe once every two weeks) but I've experienced pretty much all the nasty effects. Therefore, we decided I'm going off of hormonal birth control. We're not trying to get pregnant, I'm just sick of the nasty side effects. BTW, I've tried several brands/forms of hormone birth control pills. 

 I know there's a possibility I need to talk to my doctor about this, but I would like to do some research on it before I go to her. THEREFORE, my question is...

-First of all, is there anyone in the same boat as I am? Or maybe even has been? What's it like? I've found blogs where women have bad acne. I like my clear skin! LOL! 

-Can I just do cold turkey? Or will I need a real serious talk with my doctor?  

I'm kind of scared to go to my doctor about it because she's one of those doctors who's kind of a "pill pusher." 

TarponMonoxide

It's hard to tell what will happen. Maybe nothing at all: remember, every patient is different. Not everybody will get acne.

Consider barrier methods: diaphragm, sponge, female condom, male condom -- even consider NFP.  (there are women who use NFP and swear by it; there is no high pregnancy rate)

brij2006

First, I would go see a different Dr. If you don't feel like your Dr would not support you in the decision to get off hormonal BC, then it isn't the right Dr for you.  You want one you can discuss other methods with.

Second, yes you can quit cold turkey. Just do not take the next pills or not start your next pack.

Third, there are other BC methods besides the pill. You could choose to use condoms, diaphram, Natural Family Planning, or withdraw method. 

I got off BC back in October due to the same reasons you had. There was constant mood swings, breakthrough bleeding, headaches, breast tenderness, etc (I had been on them for over 8 years).  Although, my H and I had a long discussion beforehand, because you go from 99.9% effective to 80%-99% depending on which method you choose to use. So we understood the chances we were taking, and were okay with it. We began with a mix of condoms and diaphram, then withdraw, then NFP, and now we're TTC. Out of all of those, we liked NFP the best because you don't always have to use a barrier method. It also gave me the chance to understand what was going on with my body and cycles. I recommend the book "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" if you are wanting to look into NFP.

Also I will add that the acne did come back for me, but so did my sex drive. So it was worth it to me.

jjbmstinco

We use NFP and  love it. Not a lot of cost, communication between partners, and its easy once you get into it. Pp mentioned a great book. I also would recommend fertility friend. It helps me tack all of my data. You can click on my cart at the bottom or go to fertilityfriend.com.

good luck. 

TexasEx11

I quit in February and had some bad side effects- acne, crazy emotions (like REALLY bad), but I also had a ton of great ones- weight loss, the ability for my body to gain more lean muscle and increase libido.

 

We do natural family planning and love it. Seriously. We are never going back. And the effective rate is as high as the pill! 

stacey1508

I quit The Pill a few months ago primarily because I hated taking it every day but also because I had a few side effects. I switched to Mirena which is a hormonal IUD. I did have a lot of side effects from the switch which my doctor said was probably due to getting off the Pill- bloating, fatigue, mood swings, etc. They leveled off after a couple of weeks. Everyone is different, though, so no one can tell you what it will be like for you. I'm really glad I did it, and I definitely have seen a return in my sex drive which my husband and I are both happy about. I never regretted getting off the Pill. 

I think you could stop taking it without talking to your doctor, but I do agree with others who have said you should really find a doctor you feel comfortable talking to.  

kstirton

I just got off birth control a few weeks ago after being on and off of it for 16 years, OMG I am a different person! THANK GOD! While it is very convenient and effective for preventing pregnancy, it is not worth my sanity, sex drive, or relationship with those around me. I just quit about a week into a new pill pack, I did have a period right away - but it was just my body finding the cycle it's been wanting to be on the whole time that the pill was "tricking" it so to speak. Didn't really cause any differences. We are going to be TTC in a couple months anyway and I knew it was important to get into a regular cycle beforehand. We use contraceptol now and once we do have a baby I plan to get the arm stint that the place right under the skin and works for 3+ years I believe. 

moonprincessd

Birth Control really messes with your body and emotions. Your basically making yourself "pregnant" 24/7.

I would switch to condoms, IUD, or NFP.