Experiencing effects when taking birth control is normal. It happens when we first start taking it and when we come off the pill, but it tends to subside a couple of months after our bodies adjust to the hormones from the pill. Here’s what to expect and how to manage it.
Reasons to stop taking the pill
There are numerous reasons women decide to stop taking the contraceptive pill, including:
Experiencing side effects
Common side effects of taking birth control pills include headache, breast tenderness, nausea, acne, and weight fluctuations. You can also expect to have changes to your menstrual cycle. Spotting or breakthrough bleeding is quite common and is usually no cause for concern. However, do talk to a medical professional if you’re experiencing light bleeding for more than five days or heavy bleeding for more than three days when you’re on active pills.
Switching to another contraceptive method
Some women stop using the pill because they are switching to another contraceptive method.
For example, they may choose to use an implant if they keep forgetting to take the pill (the pill is only effective when taken at the same time every day) or opt for a non-hormonal method of birth control such as condoms.
Everyone reacts to the pill differently and for some women, non-hormonal methods are preferred. Some non-hormonal birth control methods include male and female condoms, diaphgram, cervical cup, and spermicide. For women who are certain that they do not want to conceive, tubal ligation, a permanent brith control method, could be an option to consider.
You want to conceive
It only makes sense to stop taking the pill (and all other forms of birth control) if you want to get pregnant and start a family.
How to stop taking birth control pills
There is no ‘correct’ way to stop taking birth control pills. You can choose to finish up the pack you’re on or opt to stop taking them mid-pack.
However, finishing the pack you’re on means you’ll know when your period is coming. Stopping midway makes it hard to pinpoint when your period will arrive.
Can I abruptly stop the birth control pill?
Yes, you can. There is no difference medically when you choose to stop the birth control pill.
Side effects of stopping the birth control pill
Some minor side effects can be observed in some women when starting on the pill. However, many of these are often reversed when you stop taking the pill. Here are some that you can expect:
You may get pregnant
Although it might seem obvious here, many women don’t realise that it’s possible to get pregnant immediately upon stopping the birth control pill. Use an alternative contraceptive method if you don’t plan on getting pregnant yet.
Irregular menstrual cycles
If your periods were irregular before taking birth control pills, it’s likely to return when you stop taking it. Women with regular menstrual cycles might also have irregular periods for a few months as their bodies adjust to being without the pills.
If your period totally stopped when you were on the pill, it might take a few months before you get your period again. However, it’s important to understand that you can still get pregnant if your period has not yet returned to normal.
Heavier periods
One of the best things about being on the pill is that the hormones in the pills help lighten periods. If you had heavy and painful periods before taking the pill, unfortunately, it’s likely once you’re off the pill that the heavy flow will restart.
PMS may return
The pill helps with period pain, cramps and moodiness as it manages the hormonal imbalance that causes PMS. You may feel these symptoms again when you stop taking the pill.
Headaches may go
If you had headaches due to the pill, then it’s likely that the headaches will go when you stop taking them.
You may lose weight
The progestin-only pill, aka mini pill, may cause weight gain in some women, although sometimes it’s due to water retention. As such, they may lose some weight when they stop taking the pills.
However, if weight is an issue and the only reason for you to stop taking the pill, exercise and a better diet will probably be more effective than stopping the pill. This is because you’ll be fitter and healthier with this lifestyle change.
Unwanted hair growth and acne may return
If you’ve been taking the pill to help with PCOS symptoms such as acne and unwanted hair growth, these issues may return. This is because the pill balances the hormones that cause these issues, which are likely to go out of whack again when you stop taking the pill.
Your libido might increase
Some women experience decreased sexual desire when they take the birth control pill. Thus, the women who fall in this group might find themselves being friskier and more in the mood for sex once they go off the pill.
You will still be protected from some cancers
Birth control pills offer many benefits other than preventing pregnancy. One long-term benefit of being on the pill is that it reduces the risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer. This ‘side effect’ continues even when you come off the pill. You’ll still be at a lower risk of these cancers than women who have never taken the pill.
How to manage symptoms?
If you’ve stopped taking birth control pills and are experiencing symptoms previously suppressed by it, there are alternative ways that you can try to alleviate the discomfort.
Menstrual cramps
To ease menstrual cramps, you can try using over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medication. A hot water bottle, a heating pad, or a hot bath can also help to relieve the discomfort. In addition, regular exercise and a healthy, balanced diet may also help some women.
Menstrual migraines
Menstrual migraines are hard to treat, and for some women, the pain is so excruciating that it interferes with daily life. Besides medication, exercise, regular sleep routines, and healthy meals, may also help prevent menstrual migraines.
Acne
If your skin starts to break out after you stop taking birth control pills, over-the-counter medication and topical treatments are available in addition to a good skin care regimen.
Premenstrual syndrome
PMS symptoms can be mild to severe, and these symptoms will probably return when you stop taking the pill. However, regular exercise, regular and adequate sleep, a balanced and healthy diet, and managing stress levels can help in reducing PMS symptoms.
How long after stopping birth control can you get pregnant?
It is possible to conceive one to three months after stopping the birth control pill. Many women get pregnant within one year of stopping the pill. Some women even get pregnant a few weeks after stopping the pill.
It’s worth noting that infertility after coming off the pill is not likely due to the pill but rather, factors such as natural ageing or underlying medical issues.
How long for hormones to balance after stopping birth control?
Many women expect their hormone levels to return to normal and their bodies to adjust accordingly within a few days after coming off the pill. However, it can take two to three months before everything returns to your baseline, including your menstrual cycle.
Conclusion
If you’ve stopped taking birth control pills but still experience any of the side effects mentioned above, or don’t know what to do to alleviate the pain and discomfort, speak to our team of medical professionals at Ova today.
Ova is a digital health platform on the MOH’s list of direct telemedicine providers. You’ll be able to speak to our licensed healthcare professionals from the comforts of your own home. It’s 100% online and discreet. Book a consultation here.