Stopping pill but not TTC

[nomorecrumbs]

As of next week I want to stop taking the Pill (Cilest) that I've been on for about 9 years with a 6 month break a couple of years back, mainly because I feel like a bit of a zombie on it (no sex drive, not depressed but just a bit...meh)...and I miss how I felt when I last took a break.

DP and I are not TTC and he's not keen on me stopping but says obviously it's my decision. My GP wants me to carry on taking it as well...she says there's no reason to stop if the side effects are manageable and it's good to have another form of contraception other than condoms.

But I just have this nagging in my head that I've had enough now! I'm 27 and been on the Pill for all my adult life...it feels wrong. Can anyone share their positive experiences of stopping hormonal contraception?

not a direct answer, but can you change brand of pill? They are all different and another might suit you better.

I already did after Microgynon was horrific. I don't think I'm going to get a better brand than Cilest, I'm just tired of taking hormones full stop.

May be try a copper coil. No hormones.

I did this many years ago in my 20s. Because rather like you I didn't feel right, but couldn't quite put my finger on WHY. I felt so much better every which way once I did it. I used the cap afterwards for contraception and it never let me down. it's still about even if some will tell you it's a bit old fashioned. not everyone can tolerate hormonal contraception, but generally the doctors poo poo that and start going on about "evidence" it is only once you've tried it that you can know for certain. so I would say good luck to you, give it a go. I lost 1/2 stone, gained lots of energy and joie de vivre as well as getting my libido back, so my view is that it is worth a try.

A long time ago now I took Microgynon for seven years, seven years in which my physical and mental health declined to a point that I was virtually unable to function, but no-one ever made the connection with the Pill (and to be fair, nor did I).

Two weeks after I came off it, I was a different person. I had a cap and then, after the children, a copper coil.

I did try the mini pill after DD2 and that was a disaster too. Hormonal contraception just doesn't suit some people.

I had the non-hormonal copper coil in for 6 years and had no problems with it. I wonder though, are you deep down wanting to get pregnant ? 27 is around the right age to want to try for afirst baby. I'm sorry but i think you are maybe getting alittle broody! I came off the Pill when i was 24 for no other reason than i just 'wanted a break from hormonal contraception'. I discovered i was pregnant a month after stopping the Pill and i was thrilled to bits! My Son is now almost 14. I wasn't really 'trying' as such to get pregnant but subconciously i think it was what i really wanted.

I do really want a baby but my partner isn't ready. He needs a job first!

See i told you, i knew you wanted a baby, bless you! I don't think men are ever ready, i think you just have to go for it. My partner at the time, (my ex now), he wasn't ready, we hadn't even spoken about having a baby. He was ok when our Son arrived though. Your partner has 9 months to find a job so i wouldn't worry too much about it. Even if he doesn't i'm sure you will cope financially. I would say to you to just go ahead and do it. I know you are still young, just 27 but fertility does begin to decline steadily after thr age of 30. you may want to have more than one child too. I'm 38, a bit of an 'oldie'! I'm trying to conceive, have been for a year but no luck. Maybe i am just too old now. I have children so i am very lucky but i would just love one more baby with my new Husband. I would get cracking if i were you. i know you are young, but getting pregnant doesn't always happen straight away, it could take you many months. Or you could be like me, very fertile, (well i used to be) and conceive as soon as you come off the Pill. Good luck x

Copper coil sounds ideal here.

I stopped all hormonal contraception in my mid to late twenties as I couldn't cope with the emotional roller coaster. I never suffered with my sex drive, but there were long periods where I felt like such a dreadful mother I would have given my son up for adoption - like you, not quite depression, but not normal emotional state either.

We used condoms exclusively for about three years before TTC. Worked for us.

Don't let you doctor fob you off with your "manageable side effects" - it doesn't sound like you think they're manageable.

My Mum was very fertile and got pregnant with my brother after the first month of stopping, and that was at 28, so I'm a bit nervous! Thanks everyone for all your replies, I'm looking forward to feeling a bit more like the old 'me' again :)