Going off Birth Control

Birth control pills are the most widely used contraceptive method, and women need to be aware of how to initiate as well as terminate the use of the pill. This method prevents pregnancies by altering the hormone levels in the body and altering the normal hormonal conditions that are conducive for conception. Consisting of two hormones - estrogen and progesterone - the pill acts by suppressing ovulation. When an egg is released within the female reproductive system, if it is fertilized by a sperm, pregnancy can occur. However, without ovulation, there will be no pregnancy as eggs are not released from the ovaries. In addition, the composition of hormones in the pill acts to thicken the cervix mucus which also prevents sperm from entering through the cervix. While there are various birth control devices that can be used to prevent pregnancy, the pill is considered as a dependable and affordable method. A woman who is taking the pill to stop pregnancies will need to know the requirements of going off birth control, if deciding to have a baby. To avoid complications with pregnancies, being aware of the side effects of stopping birth control pill is very important for those using this method of contraception.

Types of Birth Control Pills

Various birth control devices are available on the market. These include the condom, diaphragm, the ring, IUD, Inserts etc. Each device works in a different way. However, the intended objective is to prevent pregnancies. Pills preventing birth can be classified by their hormone content, dosage and phases.

• Combined Pill - the most commonly used and the most effective are those which contain both hormones of estrogen and progestin. These are referred to as combined contraceptives. Combined contraceptives come in 21 day or 28 day packs.
• Progestin only Pill - there are also birth control pills that contain only progestin. They are recommended for women who cannot handle the combined birth control pills due to its side effects. However, this variety of pill is considered to be less effective than the combined type.
• Mini Pill - birth control pills are also categorized into doses. Birth control pills in the past contained more estrogen levels. However, the newer birth control pills on the market contain less estrogen (35mcg less) than before. The dose of estrogen in the birth control depends on the prescription provided by a gynecologist. These pills are known as mini-pills, and should be taken daily without interruption for maximum effectiveness.
• Phasic Pills - monophasic birth control pills remain the same strength irrespective of the cycle. Biphasic birth control pills contain two different phases of hormones and triphasic pills contain three different phases of hormones. The phasic birth control pills provide lesser hormone exposure and therefore are used more often than the monophasic birth control pills.

Effectiveness and Advantages of the Pill

Considering the reliability and effectiveness of a contraceptive is a paramount concern among many women. The assurance of reliability for the pill is as high as 98.9%, and it is safer than any other contraceptive. In addition, the pill has certain health advantages. Those taking the pill will experience a reduction of period pains, shorter and lighter periods, and reduced risk of certain cancers. There is also a certain level of protection against pelvic inflammatory disease, protection against acne, reduced risk of ectopic pregnancies, as well as prevention of various infections in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. If a woman has been on the pill for a certain length of time, it will take time for the body to get used to the effects of stopping birth control pills. Therefore, it is recommended that a woman discontinues the pill at least 3-4 months prior to a planned attempt to conceive.

Side Effects of Stopping the Pill

When going off birth control, it is always better to be prepared for the side effects of stopping birth control pill. Many women will experience light bleeding for a few days once they stop the pill. However, within a few months, periods will regularize to normal. Women who are considering conceiving should only attempt to get pregnant once their period cycle resumes normally. Women who are not planning to get pregnant should use another form of contraceptive during this period to avoid getting pregnant. The following are some of the common side effects that are experienced when discontinuing the pill.

Post-Pill Amenorrhoea

Women who do not experience a period for several months may have post-pill amenorrhoea. This is a common side effect of getting off birth control and is quite natural, as the body takes time to resume normal hormonal production. However, an exceptionally long time between period cycles should be brought to the attention of a gynecologist to avoid future complications.

Moodiness

Fluctuations and changes in hormone levels can affect women emotionally. One common side effect of stopping birth control pills is mood changes. Depression and sadness are common occurrences immediately after stopping the pill. In addition, all symptoms related to the menstrual cycle will also elevate once the pill is stopped. This includes abdominal pain, headaches, nausea, etc.

Acne and Weight Gain or Loss

Acne is another side effect of getting off birth control. Just as birth control pills help to decrease acne, stopping them may contribute to an increase in acne. Weight gain or weight loss is also an issue of going off the pill. Some women may gain weight while others may lose weight.

Increased Sex Drive

Women’s libido and sex drive rely greatly on their hormones and level of fertility. A fertile woman has a higher sex drive than one that is not. As birth control pills restrict fertility, the sex drive can also be reduced. An increase in libido will be experienced by those who come off the pill.

Having a proper understanding of what to expect when going off birth control is very important for women. This will help them to not be alarmed by various after effects of discontinuing the pill. Any woman who has stopped taking the pill and is experiencing any or most of the side effects associated with terminating the contraceptive should not worry, as long as they are aware of these side effects.