Coming off the pill

[Dannyandsandy]

Posting here for traffic...
Want to come off the pill as I have started to get really bad migraines. Want to come off it after my withdrawal bleed but we have had intercourse three times during the week long break. Will I need to start another pack for a few days as we have had intercourse during the break? Read the instructions and there is nothing that mentions how to come off it in these circumstances.

I don't think I'd start a new pack as I think the timing is on your side

Sperm only live in the reproductive tract for 5 days and you are unlikely to ovulate in the week after your break. It will likely take your body a few days to realise that normal service should resume and then it takes most women at least a few days more (if not a couple of weeks) to ovulate.

Just start using an alternative method of contraception from now on if you don't want to get pregnant.

Thanks Polly. Info online is very confusing.

I would start a new pack. I used ovulation sticks when trying to get pregnant (after having been on pills for nearly 15yrs). Turned out my ovulation happens between days 6-8 of my 28 day cycle, so right at the last days of my period, not in the middle of the cycle as for most people. I had no idea! I’m sure I am not the only one.

Better to be safe than sorry!

I am due my week break on Saturday and I'm not starting a new pack the following Monday as i should. I am guessing I should be ok for unprotected sex this weekend (period arrives Monday) then from next weekend when my period stops I'll have to start using condoms.

I got migraines too, OP but also awful mood swings and I'm really depressed now too. I really hope coming off will change things! Good luck to you too.

Assuming it’s a combined pill as you talk about a withdrawal bleed you are covered in the pill free week as long as you have taken all the pills in that packet properly.

What are your contraceptive plans after stopping this pill? As that will influence what you need to do with your new method.

@AmayaBuzzbee not really relevant as you don’t ovulate on the combined pill, but a good point that when not using hormones ovulation can be very unpredictable.

@sidge We are just going to use condoms. I might use about a weeks worth of the spare pack and then call it quits.

Well you could but there’s no benefit to doing that. It won’t necessarily inhibit ovulation.

Just start using condoms from the day you would have started your new packet of pills.