When would you stop taking the pill?

[tinywife]

DH and I have decided to start ttc our first in January 2015 (I know quite a way in the future but I'm a planner!)

I've been lurking about on the conception / pregnancy threads out of curiosity which has made me start to think about when I should come off the pill in preparation. I have been taking Yasmin for about 8 years, before that I used microgynon and the depo injection which I didn't get on with at all.

My hubby works away for most of the year and is only at home for about 2 in every 10 weeks so I want to eliminate as many obstacles as possible. I was thinking about coming off the pill in September which would give me 4 months for my cycle to sort out before we start ttc - do you think that is enough?

Any advice very welcome - tia! :)

[allchatnicknamesgone]

If he's away that much I'd come off sooner and use protection for the times he's home if you do not want to become pregnant before Jan 2015.

[Bumpforme2014]

Difficult one, some women get pregnant straight away after coming off the pill, others don't. I agree with allchat come off ASAP it will be great for you to understand what your natural cycle is like ahead of Jan 2015. That way if there are any issues you know it's not due to the pill messing with your cycle as you would have been off it a year.

[bellaboo88]

If you're comfy using other contraceptives, I'd say come off 6 months before hand...I've been off 2months, cycles a bit all over the place & I'm relearning signs such as period & ovulation symptoms. Wish I'd come off months ago! X

[Novia]

I came off the pill (after about 13 years) and was pregnant before my next period, so don't assume it takes ages!

[Madonnaquintessential]

I came off yasmin after 10 years (had taken microgenen too) i fell pregnant in just over a month. So many people fall preggo on the pill to if they not taking it right. I know this for a fact as I have encountered so many!
I think i would maybe come off 6 months before just to be prepared etc... But my point is, be prepared too that you may fall preggo right away :) good luck!

[Madonnaquintessential]

( i was convinced i couldnt have kids, so i was a real shock to concieve so quickly for me!)

[tinywife]

It wouldn't be the end of the world if we got pregnant before January but we're happy to use protection in the interim so maybe sooner rather than later would be best?

Because he's away so much I think I am going to have to be quite clued up on my cycles from the offset!!

[HungryHorace]

I'd come off ASAP and as you really need to know your cycle, I'd suggest getting an app - I use My Days - to keep track of cycle length. Then, once you're ready, the app should be able to give fairly accurate ideas as to your fertile window.

[allchatnicknamesgone]

Ditto. The point is if he is away so much, you need to really know when your fertile period is. Timing will be key for you and I think it's safer to assume that it will take at least 6 months for your cycles to settle into a pattern etc.

[HungryHorace]

I got my BFP with DD in my 5th month post-pill and I hadn't got a regular cycle by then at all. So I'd definitely say 6 months minimum. Although obviously you could be lucky, but why take a chance when you don't have to and can give yourself the best chance?

[Beansprout30]

Am in a similar situation dh is going away in summer for 6 months, I haven't come off the pill yet because I dont want to risk falling pregnant straight away! Going to come off two month before he leaves and then hope it happens straight away otherwise will have to wait till he's back to try properly!

[WidowWadman]

Why would you come off the pill before you want to start trying to conceive? You can (and should) start taking folic acid whilst still on the pill.

[naty1]

Were cycles regular before pill?

[tinywife]

Naty1 - I don't remember tbh - I think I was pretty regular but didn't pay much attention. It was quite a while ago now!!

WidowWadman - Because I've heard / read that it can take a while for your cycle to settle down, and wanted to start ttc with a good idea of my cycle length / fertile period etc. As others have said, I want to give us the best chance :)

Beansprout - It's frustrating isn't it? I can see us planning DH's annual leave around my cycle.. how romantic!!

[Fuzzyduck21]

I would come off now so you can get back to normal before ttc.

[naty1]

I would come off a soon as possible. To get a regukar cycle back but also notice if it's not regular etc

[barmybunting]

I would come off now. It will give you a chance to see how regular your cycle is and get over any concerns with that post pill. I've been off the pill nine months now, ttc for five months and my cycles are still all over the place. Hence recommending coming off soon!

[onelifeonechance]

Agree with coming off now, get it out of your system. I've been off it for over a year and still waiting...... Good luck when you start!

[onelifeonechance]

Just to clarify, still waiting for bfp not af, that turned up ok post pill!

[onelifeonechance]

Oh, and piece of advice, you will most likely be convinced you are pregnant the first month you come off the pill as the symptoms are buggers, some lucky souls are and that's great, but just to warn you try not to get too excited (impossible I know)

[tinywife]

Thanks for all the advice everyone - pretty conclusive re stopping the pill asap!

In a few weeks when OH is home I'll have a chat with him about it before stopping. Only fair to make the decision together, especially as it will be affecting him more than me to start with lol