I use the contraceptive patch, which contains the same hormones as the combined pill. After the first year, I thought it wasn’t agreeing with me so came off it altogether for a few months. Huge difference. My face stopped being bloated, my libido returned, I felt less irritable and less hungry.
I went back on it mainly because condoms were a PITA and I could attribute all the side effects to a stressful time in my life at that point, so wasn’t entirely sure contraception was to blame. Couple of years have passed since I have been back on it I am still the same and notice a marked difference in my patch free week (same as the pill free week).
DP does not mind using condoms at all and says he’d rather use them than me experience side effects, in fact he has suggested I come off it. They’re just expensive and ruin all spontaneity in my mind but there isn’t an alternative, I won’t entertain a more permanent opinion as we will TTC at some point next year anyway. Obviously might happen sooner than planned if using condoms too… so there is that!
Would you come off if you were in my shoes or should I try switch to a new one first?