TTC in Dec, should I go off BCP now?

[maplekitty]

My pills run out at the end of this package (in three weeks), so I'm wondering if I should just go off them and let my body get into a natural cycle? Or should I get two more packs until we start TTC in December?

Is it important to get your body used to being off BCP, or does that not make any difference at all?

[ShelbyMay]

I think it just varies widely from person to person.

My mom went off BCP and got pregnant on the first cycle with my brother. 3 years later, she went of BCP again and, again, got pregnant on the first cycle (with me).

As for me, I've been off BCP for just over a year now and I think my cycles are just now starting to follow more of a "textbook" pattern.

[Scooter]

Is it important to get your body used to being off BCP, or does that not make any difference at all?IMHO, it's very important to give yourself some time. Some people's bodies go back to normal right away, some take a cycle or two, and others take 6-12 months. So now would be a good time to go off of them! Charting when you come off of them can be helpful too, even if you're not going to while you're TTC, because then you'll see easier what's going on with your cycle and not feel so confused if you have a long crazy cycle. Good luck.

[jennylou]

Ditto what Scooter said. :)

[mel7dog]

I agree with the other, get off them ealier if you can! You never know if you'll be back to normal right away or take months.

PS: I am so excited you are TTC in only a few months!! You and Summer could be EDD twins :)

[jh124]

I disagree with the previous posters, unless you know for a fact that you have/had a textbook body prior to going on the pill. I did not, and when I went off the pill, my cycles seemed to dry up and go away. 14 months of TTC led to something like 8 cycles - incredibly frustrating. Right after going off the pill was when my body was the most regular. The longer I was off of it, the longer I went between periods.

My advice is to NOT listen to anyone on internet message boards. This is YOUR body and you need to discuss this decision with your doctor and your DH. What worked for so-and-so in cyberspace, or their mother, or me is not going to apply to you.

[lil_geek]

As my GF said.... go off when you are READY to TTC....

She was told 1 year off the shot to 'get it out of her system' and she got PG withing a month (11 months earlier then they wanted!!)

With the pill, the amount of hormone in your body is really low on a day to day basis (which is why you need to take it every day at the same time in order for it to be effective).... that once you stop taking it, it doesn't affect your fertility. (Yes, some people have a while to get regular again... it's sort of like starting you period all over again)... mostly it's recommended to stop and get your cycles regular of dating of the PG reasons.


That said by jh124 you should talk to your doc about what they think.... and go with your gut!

[jesseybell]

The first time I went off the pill I didn't get AF for 4 months. This time was 36 days, but I am not sure if I ovulated until this month (been off BCP 3 months). Last time I was off the pill for 4 months after AF first came and I don't think I Oed at all.
Varies from person to person how quickly your body adjusts. And it can be different each time you go off the Pill.

Since you are wanting to ttc this holiday season I'd go off now, if your life wasn't thrown into turmoil if you got pregnant in the next month.

[Kopper]

I would say you should get off them now but asking your doctor is the best bet. I stopped BCP and it took me almost a year to become regular again. I think I only had 7 cycles in 12 months. Luckily we weren't TTCing so it wasn't a huge deal for us.

[Wrighty26]

I went off the pill in Jan 04 and I still haven't returned to "normal" (and yes, I had very normal cycles before the pill). It's been very frustrating-- thankfully we weren't ready to TTC until recently-- so I agree with the posters who recommend going off now, or at least discuss it with your doctor. You can still use other forms of birth control.

Just keep in mind-- If your cycles weren't normal before going on the pill, chances are they won't be normal when you go off either.

[maplekitty]

Thanks everyone!
I've got a doctor's appnt tomorrow, so hopefully she can shed some light on the varying reccomendations I've heard about and read about.

[Scooter]

I have to politely disagree with what jh124 wrote. It sounds like you chose to wait a while before going to the Dr, which is a totally valid choice for you. But another person in that situation may have handled it completely differently, and been happy with that choice, too. Besides, who's to say that if a woman's body is regular for a few months, it's long enough for her to get pg?

If you go off the Pill and your cycles are normal but then become erratic, or if they stay long and erratic for a long time, then there is possibly another problem going on that the BCP were disguising. A Dr would be able to help diagnose that (far before the "year of TTC" rule) and figure out what is going on with your body. I don't see that as just a TTC issue, but a general health issue.

As far as not listening to messageboards, of course that doesn't take the place of getting an expert's opinion in person. But to disregard the experience and knowledge of people who have charted for years, seen the effects of BCP on your cycles, and have seen many specialists--just seems like it's defeating the purpose of having a place like this to come share experiences and advice.

Good luck at your Dr's appt, I know everyone's given you a lot to ask about! :)