Getting off the pill

wallyandkristin

I've been on the pill for years now and FI and I have decided we want to practice NFP as a married couple. Is there anyone else who's done this?  I'm curious about the possible physical and emotional side effects of getting off the pill after being on it for so long.

Calypso1977

hi, Kristin.

i was on the pill for just over 10 years.

i quit shortly after our wedding, and have been succesfully practicing NFP for about 16 cycles now.  i wish id gone off the pill years ago both for my health and to be in line with church teaching.

while everyone is different, my doc told me i'd most likely have longer heavier periods after going off.  i had the complete opposite experience.

**TMI below**

my periods are now about 1 day long (were 3-4 on pill) and they are usually preceded by 2-3 days of spotting that is so light i often dont even need to wear a panty liner.  my one day period has cramps (never in my life had cramps, pre-pill or during pill) and its very clotty.

ive shared my concerns with my doctor, and they've done and ultrasound and everything appears to be normal.  she said i really wont know if there's issues until we actually try to conceive.  my luteal phase is 10+ days, but i did read that sometimes spotting can be indicative of a fertility issue in that if i do have a fertilized egg, it may not be able to implant since my lining may either be too thin and/or starts to shred too early.

i do think that despite all of the popular, positive press over the pill it may have done damage to my body.  i have a friend who was on it for 10 years and she has been struggling with infertility after having her first child which was a preemie.  her periods are very similiar to mine, the only difference being that hers dont come every month.  i appear to ovulate every month, and my periods while short, do come like clockwork.

hope that helps. 

Riss91

I think it varies greatly. On The Nest, there are a ton of ladies that are coming off the pill in order to TTC and some have horrendous periods for a few months, and some see hardly any difference. Some go months without ovulating because their bodies are having trouble adjusting.

I'm using NFP (on my 11th cycle) and I really love it. It is very easy and honestly helpes me feel more comfortable with my bosy and symptoms. I highly recommend the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility which teaches charting and gives a ton of information about women's bodies in general.

From the research I've done, I'm really scared for so many women that are taking the pill forever and ever. It really can screw your system up and there are links to increased rates of breast cancer, migraines, heart attacks and strokes since the pill became popular.  Especially since charting is so easy... it's really a shame it is not promoted at all. And in fact, many doctors are against it (probably because they don't get a kickback since there's no prescription involved).

There are many ladies on here using NFP, so feel free to ask questions! Best wishes!

wallyandkristin

Thanks ladies.  It was actually ya'll who got me interested in NFP!  Being Catholic, I was aware of it before but always considered it a crazy idea.  It wasn't until I started reading some of the posts on here that I really took the time to consider it.  I really love the idea of knowing more about my body and exactly how it works.  There was a presentation on NFP at our Engaged Encounter weekend, but it wasn't very convincing at all.  If hadn't of read the catholic board I probably would have just spaced out for that portion of the weekend.  We're taking a CCL course in September and I'm actually really looking forward to it!  Thanks for the inspiration and advice 

I do feel kind of weird about telling people about it.  The few people that I told I'm considering it told me I'm crazy.  I know its because they are uneducated on the subject, but it makes you feel awkward.  Did ya'll tell friends and family about your decision?

vgmartinez

I thought my cycles would be irregular for a couple of months after getting off the pill but it remained the same. The only difference was that my period went from lasting about 6 days to about 4 days. Also, the cramps are significantly worse than being on the pill but I deal.

Riss91

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_catholic-weddings_getting-off-pill?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:615Discussion:5da50a0e-2c6e-4a99-85bc-e5344137db9bPost:233f83a5-ab46-40c6-9f7b-e8421c76956e">Re: Getting off the pill</a>:
[QUOTE]  Did ya'll tell friends and family about your decision?
Posted by wallyandkristin[/QUOTE]

I never talk to my family members about these things, so they don't know per se, but they know we are devout, traditional Catholics, so there's a chance they have an idea. If they ever asked, I'd be open about it and I'd highly recommend the practice.

A couple of my friends know (and I've converted even quite liberal non-Catholics on the notion that it is natural to your body and doesn't interfere with your personal chemistry like the pill does. So many of my friends are all-organic and sulfate-free and when I pitched it as being better for your body, they were sold), but certainly not everyone. I'm sure some would give the side-eye, but I think the more confident you are when you speak about it and the more people that are practicing the method successfully, the more it will spread.

[Deleted User]

I have been following this thread and totally agree with Riss. NFP is something H and I have discussed quite and really want to do, however, we have just been putting it off. I have been on the pill for about 4 years consecutively and really want to go off of it. I guess I am a bit hesitant bc we don't want kids right now, but I think you ladies have finally convinced me to re-visit it with H and seriously go off of the pill for good.

And yes, it is sad that doctors put you on the pill for everything (of course they getting kickbacks from the drug makers). My sister who is not sexually active is even on the pill due to irregularities, etc. It seems like that is the easy way out for doctors these days. At my last check-up/yearly, I talked to my doc briefly about it and while he said he was open to it and could give me more info, that once we started it, most guys don't like it bc you are limited on when you can have sex. I walked out of the office that day thinking about it and still do. I guess I need to stop thinking about it and do what God wants us to do as a married couple.

Thanks so much for the great info ladies!

Riss91

Missy - Honestly, it's really great once you get into the  swing of things. I was definitely nervous at first, but after 2 cycles I felt like an expert. Also, because the pill can affect everyone differently, it's better to get off of it sooner than later because it will be trickier to chart in the begginning, until your cycle re-adjusts. And it's a great way to have a higher chance of getting pregnant faster (when you are ready), as you'll know exactly when you're fertile. There are so many great resources on this board, so don't be shy at asking questions. Best wishes!

Jasmine&Rajah

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_catholic-weddings_getting-off-pill?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:615Discussion:5da50a0e-2c6e-4a99-85bc-e5344137db9bPost:233f83a5-ab46-40c6-9f7b-e8421c76956e">Re: Getting off the pill</a>:
[QUOTE] Did ya'll tell friends and family about your decision?
Posted by wallyandkristin[/QUOTE]

To quote St. John Vianney, "If you care about what people think of you, then you should not have become Catholic."  ;-)

I believe you can only do a world of good by sharing this (fantastic) news with them if they ask. Be proud that you are living by, and standing up for, the true teachings of our faith!  NFP being the acceptable form of spacing births is a major point that many people don't understand, or are not aware of.

I'm really disheartened, though, to read that the NFP segment of your pre-cana was not well done.  That was probably the first time (sadly) that many of those couples were hearing about NFP.  What a wasted opportunity . . .

But anyhow . . . congratulations and God bless you!  Don't let yourself be overwhelmed when you start your classes - you'll get the hang of it, the book/manual is awesome, and your instructors are truly there to help.  :-)

catarntina

So, before the pill I had seriously irregular cycles and horrible cramping.  I would be bleeding for 2 weeks straight.  When I was 18, the doctor recommended putting me on it to regulate me.  I stopped taking it a couple years later (mainly due to financial reasons, insurance stopped covering it even for medicinal purposes).

Everything was great with my cycle for about 1 year after that. Then the horrible cramping came back, and the 60 day cycles started up again.  I went back on it when I got new health insurance (graduated college, got a real job, with real insurance).  I went off of it to take my NFP class.  Can't really chart if you're on the pill!  The only side effect I've had since being off of it this time is terrible acne.  So far, no serious cramping, and pretty regular cycles (26 to 30 days).  I'm kind of glad I'm off of it, even if I get 60 day cycles again.  I think it could let my doctor know if something is wrong with me, ya know?

aaruiz84

I have no idea what NFP is??? am i the only lady who does not know?? can anyone point me in the right direction by suggesting any books or blogs.
Thank you.

dwest2201

NFP = natural family planning.  Google should give you a good amount of results.

Calypso1977

i dont talk about sex or BC at all with my mom or sister.  never have, never will.

my in laws know we use NFP. i tried to encourage my sister in law, but she seems to be a naysayer.  oh, well.

i told one of my good friends and i got a "good luck with that".  so, clearly they have no clue how great it is, nor do they have any desire to try it.  their loss!

Jasmine&Rajah

aaruiz84 - here is the website for The Couple To Couple League, where you can find plenty of information as well as look for a class in your area:

http://www.ccli.org/

God bless you! 

GulfCoaster

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_catholic-weddings_getting-off-pill?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural Wedding BoardsForum:615Discussion:5da50a0e-2c6e-4a99-85bc-e5344137db9bPost:233f83a5-ab46-40c6-9f7b-e8421c76956e">Re: Getting off the pill</a>:
[QUOTE]  Did ya'll tell friends and family about your decision?
Posted by wallyandkristin[/QUOTE]

Several of my closest friends are Catholic, and I have talked about it with them.  Another friend was on the Pill for the first five years of her marriage and had some serious side effects, so I've discussed NFP with her as an option.  My parents and siblings aren't Catholic, and I don't think they'd get it, so I've never discussed it with them.

My in-laws (who are Catholic and very pro-life) know only because I forgot my BBT at their house when we visited at Christmas.... <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-embarassed.gif" border="0" alt="Embarassed" title="Embarassed" />  At least I didn't forget my chart there, lol!

I think it's a shame that NFP isn't promoted more widely and that so many doctors discourage women from NFP.  It's amazing to be able to understand what your body is doing and how it is working!  I worry a lot about women who are on the Pill for years and years, and I think it's great that you've decided to take this step and begin practicing NFP. 

kgrunow

I ran out of refills last year and it was the worst 4 months since I went on the pill. I got all the sympoms without getting my period, like cramps that made it impossible to move. Now I'm back on the pill and things are working out.

So, I would say if you went on the pill for medical things like I did, those issues will probably come back once your off the pill.

KatieM2010

I told my sister about our decision because we're close like that. She asked me what I would do if it "didn't work" and I got pregant on the honeymoon or something.  My response to her was to ask her if she thought that Fi and I would really be upset by that. Of course not! We would be thrilled if we got pregant at any time. Kind of explains the difference between NFP and TCOYF. TCOYF is a great resource for charting, but NFP teachings are about more than that - it's about being open to life.  Plus, I'm 30, so it's not like we have years to wait or anything.  I haven't talked to the rest of my family about it, but while they aren't Catholic, I think they would actually be really supportive. You might be surprised!

I actually had a coworker bring it up with me because we're both Catholic, and she felt comfortable enough to discuss it.  She's been using NFP for years, and it was kind of nice to know someone else I can talk to about it. Most of my friends who chart are doing it to conceive, not to avoid, so it was nice to meet someone who uses it for both.

GulfCoaster

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_catholic-weddings_getting-off-pill?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural Wedding BoardsForum:615Discussion:5da50a0e-2c6e-4a99-85bc-e5344137db9bPost:19b97656-faee-4377-8e90-49173b68bcc3">Re: Getting off the pill</a>:
[QUOTE]I ran out of refills last year and it was the worst 4 months since I went on the pill. I got all the sympoms without getting my period, like cramps that made it impossible to move. Now I'm back on the pill and things are working out. So, I would say if you went on the pill for medical things like I did, those issues will probably come back once your off the pill.
Posted by kgrunow[/QUOTE]

Well, you're probably right about that -- because the Pill doesn't really treat most gynecological diseases, it only masks symptoms.  So while it's good at managing symptoms, it doesn't treat the underlying problem... and once a woman gets off the Pill she may find that her underlying problem has worsened during the years she spent masking the symptoms.

Which is why I actually like NFP a lot.  I have some gyn. issues, and charting has allowed me to know exactly what's going on with my body -- and it helps my doctors figure out how to actually treat my underlying issues, rather than just masking the symptoms with the Pill.

Calypso1977

Most of my friends who chart are doing it to conceive, not to avoid,

and its a shame that doctors only mention charting when someone is trying to conceive.  i cannto understand how they think.  if the method will tell you when you are fertile, and should have sex, then obviously, its going to tell you when you arent fertile.  so why wouldnt they tell folks about it as a method to avoid??

i think there is a very large charting movement out there among the non-religious.  just seems like no one wants to talk about it, probably out of fear of being judged.

Riss91

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_catholic-weddings_getting-off-pill?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:615Discussion:5da50a0e-2c6e-4a99-85bc-e5344137db9bPost:86d84d9f-13e7-418c-aeb8-ca1daf3b97a8">Re: Getting off the pill</a>:
[QUOTE]<strong><u> i cannto understand how they think.</u></strong>  if the method will tell you when you are fertile, and should have sex, then obviously, its going to tell you when you arent fertile.  so why wouldnt they tell folks about it as a method to avoid??
Posted by Calypso1977[/QUOTE]

Unfortunatley, I think most doctors think about the loss of $$ as they cannot prescribe a pill for charting
<img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-frown.gif" border="0" alt="Frown" title="Frown" />

Ckirwin

i was put on the pill years ago for medical reasons and have been seriously thinking about getting off of it because i know it's not good for my body. i'm so nervous about how my body will react, though, once i'm off. i've been facinated by what NFP is and have found it very enlightening reading all of your experiences. i just wanted to thank everyone for educating me a little on the topic! i'm not sure if it's going to be covered in our pre-cana classes but i plan to look up those books/resources you all listed any way. thanks girls!

KatieM2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_catholic-weddings_getting-off-pill?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural Wedding BoardsForum:615Discussion:5da50a0e-2c6e-4a99-85bc-e5344137db9bPost:86d84d9f-13e7-418c-aeb8-ca1daf3b97a8">Re: Getting off the pill</a>:
[QUOTE] i think there is a very large charting movement out there among the non-religious.  just seems like no one wants to talk about it, probably out of fear of being judged.
Posted by Calypso1977[/QUOTE]

I totally agree, Calypso, and this is why I am trying to be an advocate for it among my friends.  If it works so well for you when trying to concieve, why do you think it won't work as well when you are not? I'm unafraid of the judging, so I'm telling anyone who asks.  Especially my Catholic friends. :)

Calypso1977

Unfortunatley, I think most doctors think about the loss of $$ as they cannot prescribe a pill for charting

maybe they shoudl start selling copies of TCOYF and taking a cut of profits.  haha  or somehow offer courses at medical offices that insurance companies would pay for.  but yea, medicine is a business, not a service.

kgrunow

So, you guys keep talking about how the pill just masks symptoms of other issues and that there are different ways to treat these issues. I have PCOS. Does anyone else deal with this and is able to treat it without the pill??? I would love to be off the pill, but need to be able to function throughout my cycle.

GulfCoaster

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_catholic-weddings_getting-off-pill?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural Wedding BoardsForum:615Discussion:5da50a0e-2c6e-4a99-85bc-e5344137db9bPost:2f92de5c-2920-4e51-bc71-99601df2f508">Re: Getting off the pill</a>:
[QUOTE]So, you guys keep talking about how the pill just masks symptoms of other issues and that there are different ways to treat these issues. I have PCOS. Does anyone else deal with this and is able to treat it without the pill??? I would love to be off the pill, but need to be able to function throughout my cycle.
Posted by kgrunow[/QUOTE]

Metformin has done wonders for me and my PCOS and has regularized my cycle quite nicely.  My good friend has had a similar experience with met.  Another friend of mine swears by herbal remedies, including (if I remember correctly) cinnamon and spearmint.  There's an entire forum for PCOS women at <a href="http://www.soulcysters.net/">www.soulcysters.net</a> -- many of them use non-BC treatments and may have other ideas.

Jay&Marissa

I believe a member who used to post on here often had that exact issue--I'm Facebook friends with her and will ask her to check this thread

Calypso1977

ive researched PCOS as i think i may be developing it.... i read about the metformin, and other diabetes drugs, as they say that often PCOS is a pre-cursor to diabetes.  alot has to do with diet adjustment and exercise as well.  this is solely based on my research of PCOS, though, not from first hand experience.

Riss91

I know on the Getting Pregnant board on the Nest, many of the ladies have dealt with PCOS and are off the pill (as they are trying to conceive). They are charting and using other meds. You may want to lurk over there because they are a wealth of information.

Calypso1977

thanks, i may check them out, although the Nest scares me.

my periods now are not painful, just odd.  ive also had a significant weight gain and cant seem to lose the weight.  i've had a few other minor symptoms that could be indicative.  i unfortuntely came across an informative article in a magazine that talked about pcos and endometriosis AFTER my doctor's visit.   so, i wont have a chance to talk to my doctor for another year, unless i make a special appointment to go in.  i think if i were trying to conceive or knew for sure i wanted to conceive, id go in sooner.

kgrunow

This is weird but does anyone else not get their period if they are not on the pill? I know there are drugs for the insluin aspect of PCSO but not for the menstral part. At least not that I have heard of.

agapecarrie

My cycles fixed themselves after starting metformin treatment.