When and how should you come off the Pill?

cluuuuur

I was on Cilest for 10 years. Stopped taking it at the end of a packet, and was pregnant within about 3 weeks! I still wouldn't come off until you're entirely prepared to be pregnant.

I know it can take 6 months to a year for hormones to regulate though.

I never saw my doctor before stopping - it was nigh on impossible to get an appointment, so it seemed like a waste, particularly since I was going on the basis of it taking a year to 'get out of my system'. My original plan was to stop taking it, and use barrier methods once my periods returned so we could start trying a year down the line. *cough*

I'm not sure about the advice re. "taking a break" from it - I never did, and my doctor never advised me to at the 6-monthly checks.

Sharra

I would suggest coming off it at least 3 month before you want to start trying, and use other contraception. That way your body has a chance to settle down before going through pregnancy.

keelykat

Hi ya, id stop taking the pill at the end of the packet and use condoms untill ready to ttc (if you are going to wait untill end of year). Its a good idea to let your cycle get back to normal, although many women dont bother and some get pregnant straight away. You'll also have a better idea of when you conceived if you know when your period is due etc.

In an ideal world its a good idea to get a general check up at your gp, check your blood pressure and general things really. You probably dont need to-but making sure youre free of sti's etc too-some things can be passed onto baby during birth if untreated. Im not saying you have anything-just worth mentioning.

Good luck with everything,

keely.

Lynxette

It all depends on your personal health - I have been strongly advised by my doctor not to come off the pill without seeing her, as I am on other medication as well. It won't hurt at the end of the day to see your doctor for ten minutes. :P

mariagti

thanks guys,:D

It does say in the booklet that comes with pill use other methods of contraception at least a month after coming off pill so you have a 'true' period so doctors can tell when your baby will be due if your planning on trying for a baby.

I will deffo use other method of contraception for at least 3 or 4 months then before i plan to try to baby.

sillyvixen

Lynxette wrote: »

It all depends on your personal health - I have been strongly advised by my doctor not to come off the pill without seeing her, as I am on other medication as well. It won't hurt at the end of the day to see your doctor for ten minutes. :P

on the other hand i was told to come off the pill immediatly by a hospital consaltant as i had obstuctive jaundice and compramised liver function due to gallstones - all risk of hormonal contraception. i will not be able to resume taking it again!
i would certainly recomend coming off it well in advance and using other contraception if you are planning a family as it took well over a year to settle back into a regular cycle.

flower7

I have been on the pill since I was 15 again for period control but I take a months break from it once a year because after a year it does not stop the severe pain after the break it controls it again. My doctor says this is just the case for some women. You don't have to take a break it just depends on your body or if you get ill, in which case your doctor would tell you whether or not it is safe to continue taking. If you want to take a break just stop when the pack is finished. Remember if you do not want a baby yet use other methods.