TTC, coming off pill and may have PCOS

[WeightyKaty]

Hi - I got married in June and we are going to start TTC now. I have been on the pill for the past 7 years and prior to that was quite irregular.
My BMI is 28 so overweight but not loads and am exercising and eating well. I'm 33 in Oct.
Should we just try and see what happens or should I see the dr earlier rather than later?
Also I have read that the first month after coming off the pill you should use condoms while your body gets back to normal?
Any advice gratefully received thanks!

Hi, this is my first month of ttc after coming off the pill and we just went straight into it rather than waiting for my cycle to return, because it's still possible to get pg in that first month. It's recommended to dtd every two days, as sperm can live in the body for a few days so that ensures sperm is there when you release an egg. However, we are also planning to dtd everyday around ovulation time just to increase the chances. Hope that helps.

Hi, I wouldn't worry about condoms for the first month. Your cycle could take much much longer than that to regulate (any time between a month and a year) after coming off the pill so be prepared for that. Good luck!

WeightyKaty - can I ask, what makes you think you may have pcos?

Thought it could be a possibility as I'm overweight, a bit hairier than most I reckon and the irregular periods prior to the pill.

Irregular periods cod be down to a lot of things so maybe see what happens over the next few months and go to your doctor if you're concerned? But like someone else said, it can take a long time for your cycle to settle down after stopping the pill.

The pill actually leaves your system very quickly after taking the last tablet.

No need to use condoms and that advice you read re using condoms was rubbish as you are ttc after all!.

If your periods were irregular prior to taking the pill you may well find that they will revert back to this post pill taking. There is no real evidence to suggest that the pill is responsible for failure to ovulate but what it can do is mask symptoms of any underlying hormonal imbalances.

I would keep a close eye on your cycle as of now and if it starts to become irregular again I would seek medical advice from the GP sooner than later. Do not wait months on end, give it say no more than 6 months.

Atilla - yes, I heard that the pill leaves the system very quickly too. However, it does seem to be the case that some women take a long time to get their periods back or a regular cycle, at least. Are you suggesting that this may actually be the result of an underlying issue previously masked by the pill? Curious to hear what you think :)

VJones

The pill can certainly mask hormonal problems that have always been there. Also it seems to be the case that if periods were consistently irregular prior to pill taking, they will revert back to that irregularity after stopping the pill.

If periods are irregular as well temp charting can become a double edged sword too. If PCOS is suspected I would not temp chart as you could end up with a temperature akin to the Rocky Mountains which would be nigh on impossible to determine with accuracy.

Right, I see. Well, I can't for the life of me remember what my periods were like 12 years ago before I started on the pill, but I would remember if they were really irregular I think, so fingers crossed they will settle down soon and be pretty regular. Am hoping the ovulation testing sticks I've ordered will help me find out if AF is just around the corner or not.

Thanks for all advice everyone. Folic acid purchased so we'll get going this weekend eek! Have found a useful app and hopefully AF will be regular.

Good luck! I've been ttc for a week now so am in a similar place to you.