Stop Taking Birth Control Pills: All The Information You Need to Know!
Stopping taking the pill – this brings about hormonal changes to which the body must first get used. The facts at a glance.
What happens in my body when I stop taking the birth control pill?
A woman taking the birth control pill suspends her natural cycle: the hormones in the pill stop ovulation, thicken the cervical mucus so that sperm cannot enter, and prevent an egg from implanting itself in the uterus. When you stop taking the pill, the hormone level suddenly drops. The result: bleeding starts.
If the pill is discontinued, the body restores the natural cycle. This cycle is determined by the natural ups and downs of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone. In the ovary, follicles grow and at the same time the lining of the uterus builds up. After about 14 days, a follicle bursts (ovulation) and releases an egg which migrates to the uterus. If the egg is not fertilised, the uppermost layer of the mucous membrane detaches – menstruation occurs.
What consequences must I expect when I stop taking the pill?
The birth control pill not only prevents unwanted pregnancy. Its hormones also have an effect on the skin, the figure and not least the soul. If you stop taking the contraceptive pill, your body will undergo changes to which you must first get used.
Hair loss is a possible side effect that many women fear when they stop taking the pill. Fortunately, the problem of hair loss is usually resolved when the hormone balance has settled down again.
Inevitably, however: If you decide to stop taking the pill, you must expect changes such as an irregular cycle, heavier bleeding and often more severe menstrual pain. Many women also find that before and during their periods they have more problems with their skin and more frequent pimples than with the pill. And for some, the natural ups and downs of hormones after stopping the pill have an effect on their mood: they feel more often down, irritable or restless.
More heavy bleeding, irregular menstrual cycles, no carefree sex on fertile days: without the pill, women are forced to deal with their own fertility – for example, if they feel particularly attracted to their partner when they ovulate. However, many women find this positive when they stop taking the pill: because they get to know their body better, listen to themselves more and treat themselves more carefully.
When can I stop taking the birth control pill?
In principle, you can stop taking the pill at any time – a consultation with your gynaecologist is not necessary. However, it is advisable to use up the monthly pack, as there will be an abortion bleeding when you stop taking the birth control pill.
Some women are prescribed the pill not only as a contraceptive, but also for other medical reasons, for example for ovarian cysts or severe menstrual pain. You should consult your doctor before stopping the birth control pill and starting the withdrawal bleeding.
How long does it take for my body to get used to the fact that I am no longer taking the birth control pill?
It usually takes some time for the natural cycle to settle down again after you stop taking the birth control pill. Many women experience inter-bleeding. You don’t have to worry about this – even if your period stops completely for a month.
Desire to have children: How long does it take before I can become pregnant if I stop taking the birth control pill?
Anyone who stops taking the birth control pill can theoretically become pregnant immediately. After all, this can even happen if you forget to take the pill – the protection of the pill does not have any effect.
For some women, it takes a little longer after stopping the pill before their cycle regulates itself again and they ovulate and possibly become pregnant. Statistically speaking, the pregnancy rate of women who previously used contraception with a birth control pill differs from that of women who did not take the pill. So there is nothing to stop a baby from having a baby.
I suffer from side effects of the birth control pill. How quickly do they disappear when I stop taking the birth control pill?
Not all women tolerate the birth control pill well. Some react with the following side effects to the hormones it contains:
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Mood swings
- Pimples
- Water retention
- Depression or reduced interest in sex are also among the known side effects of the pill.
After stopping the pill, these complaints generally disappear quickly – just like the contraceptive effect of the pill, the side effects are also limited in time. There is also hope for women who suffer from migraines during their periods – i.e. during the pill break: They often feel better without the pill.
I am taking medication that interferes with the effects of the birth control pills. Should I take a pill break?
Antibiotics can impair the effect of the pill. Illnesses, such as severe diarrhoea, can also cause the protection to be inactive. In such cases, it is still not advisable to take a break from the birth control pill – stopping the pill for a short time, possibly in the middle of the cycle, upsets the body. Do not forget this: Even if you continue to take the pill, additional contraceptives are necessary!
I know I won’t be having sex anytime soon. Should I stop taking the birth control pills?
This is only worthwhile for women who have not had sex for at least six months – after all, the body has to cope with a hormonal change and for this it needs time.
After a break-up, is it worth it to stop taking the birth control pill? Many women ask themselves this question – after all, a new sex partner is sometimes found faster than they thought. Nevertheless: the birth control pill protects against pregnancy, but not against AIDS, hepatitis and sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia. So if you change sex partners, you should not rely on the protective effect of the pill alone anyway. And even in a new relationship you should not only rely on the pill, but also use condoms.
I went off the birth control pills. Can I just start taking them again?
If you have tolerated the pill well and stopped taking it, you can start taking it again without consulting your gynaecologist: on the first day of each cycle.
The situation is different if you have started smoking in the meantime or if there have been any health changes: In such cases, a consultation with the gynaecologist is advisable.
What alternative contraceptive methods are available?
If you want to switch completely to hormone-free contraceptive methods instead of hormone preparations such as Nuvaring, you can choose between several alternatives. The temperature method, for example, is popular, but you should also use contraception in addition to this. With Cyclotest from MyWay, a cycle computer, you can measure your body temperature and thus easily check your fertility status.