When to go off the pill? TTC in September :)

[Freckle1]

Hi everyone,

I’m a long time lurker but since conversations with hubby about TTC are becoming more serious I’ve finally signed up!

Hubby and I would like to start TTC in September. We want to wait until then for a few reasons but mostly because by then we’ll have been taking our prenatal supplements for three months.

My question is, when should I go off the pill? Should I stop taking it at the end of August? Or should I stop taking it before then? Maybe at the end of July? Googling it seems some people think you’re extra fertile when you first go off the pill, so in some ways that sounds ideal to keep taking it until end of August. But then from what I’ve read I think getting pregnant straight away without one cycle first can make it harder to date the pregnancy? Also I’ve also read it can take awhile for fertility to come back... I’ve also read that prenatal vitamins can make your cycles really long and irregular.

I’m on the mini pill, I’ve only been on that for two months and prior to that I was on the combination pill for about four years (had to switch to the mini in May due to migraines).

I don’t mind going off it early (but husband hates condoms so he will probably abstain until TTC once I go off, lol 😂).

Was just wondering what your opinions and experiences with deciding this was? This will be my first baby so it’s all new to me.

I was on the pill 15 years. Came off in Feb 18 and fell pregnant within 8 weeks.

Seeing as you're on the mini pill you should be fine coming off of it once you're ready to TTC and your cycles should regulate quickly.

But personally I'd probably still give yourself a full cycle (or more) off of hormonal birth control pre TTC.

When we were TTC I came off the combined pill once we were ready to TTC and I conceived in my second cycle but the two cycles I had were really long (35 ish days). This time round I was on the implant and would have removed it 2-3 months before TTC but wasn't getting on with the implant so have had it out early.

Your first bleed (after approx 2 weeks, assuming it isn't delayed) is a breakthrough bleed. Only after that should you start to cycle normally. So really you need to be off at least a month before. However you'll be clueless what your bodys 'normal' is and it'll make things harder to track. Personally I think you are better giving yourself a few months and using condoms in the meantime.

I came off one month before TTC and had my withdrawal bleed and then period 30 days later, however my cycles are irregular since coming off and I think I may possibly not be ovulating yet. It can go either way really. I was on the combined pill for 13 years and have been off for three months now. Apparently it can take up to a year to get back on track, but also like you say some are lucky and fall quickly. I think probably weigh up how you might feel if it takes some time for your cycles to get back to normal, as even though we are TTC I don't really feel like we are if I'm not actually ovulating yet x

We are going to start TTC in October and the plan is for me to stop taking my pill at the end of the pack this month to give my cycles a headstart in returning to normal as last time it took about 6 months. I started folic acid and vitamin D this month too so hopefully all good to start by the time we reach October

Hi!
I'm starting the ttc journey in September as well - well if all goes to plan lol. I came off the mini pill last week which my gp said was OK and we're going to use condoms until then. Just wanted to give my body enough time to try and regulate itself lol. Good luck! X

Hi,
I came off the combined pill start of Feb after years of being on it, I have been lucky that my periods have been fine and regular however no sign of pregnancy yet, nearly at 6 months. Some people fall quickly but others it can take a while for their bodies to get back to normal. I'd make sure you have the first month off it before ttc , just so you can at least track your cycle a bit easier. Good luck!

This is completely your choice. It took me a while to have my first proper AF (3 months) after coming off the pill, so based on my experience I would say come off sooner rather than later but everyone is different and some people have no delay!

Based on my experiences I would come off ASAP. It took me around 7 months to start having regular cycles again and I don’t think I was ovulating consistently in that time. Everyone is different though but it’s definitely worth considering the time it may take 😊.
Also, if vitamins are the only thing delaying you from starting, just my experience is that I got pregnant after 5 months, once I stopped taking the TTC vitamins and just switched to folic acid/vitamin d x

(After 5 months of trying I mean, not after 5 months of coming off the pill!)

Came off end of August 2018 pregnant october 2018. Happened very quickly.

Thanks so much for your replies! I've spoken to my doctor and she's said on the pill I'm on I am at risk of being pregnant within three days of not taking it, but reading everyone's experiences has really swayed me towards stopping it this month, at least by the end of the month. I've been on some kind of birth control for about 16 years straight now so I think the sooner will be the better, from reading people's experiences about irregular cycles after coming off. Thanks!

I would finish your packet and come off. Nice to give your body a break.

People do tend to regulate much quicker on average if they're coming off of the mini pill but it really is luck of the draw.

I was on the combined pill for over 14 years. When we decided to TTC I stopped taking once I got to the end of the pack I was on and was pregnant in my second cycle. So it doesn't even seem to be how long you're on it for. Just complete pot luck.

Good luck 😊