What happens after you stop taking the daily pill?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted with Doctor Pham Thi Mai Nhung - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec International Hospital Da Nang.

1. Stop taking birth control pills

All women can safely stop using birth control pills anytime they want. However, those who stop taking oral contraceptives should be mindful of the increased chance of pregnancy. Anyone who does not want to become pregnant should use another method of contraception instead.
Although it is safe to stop taking birth control pills, sometimes it can still lead to some side effects. However, this situation is only short term.
Some women stop taking birth control pills because of hormone problems, which can cause them to experience some unpleasant symptoms. In this case, it is advisable to see a doctor for an examination and advice on alternative treatment options.
Some reasons to stop taking birth control pills include:
Switching to another birth control method Concerns about short- or long-term health effects of hormonal birth control Discomfort side effects Trying trying to get pregnant again

It is probably safe to stop taking birth control pills at any time. However, anyone looking to switch to an alternative method of contraception should speak with a doctor or sexual health counselor first. These specialists will provide information on other options, and they may also recommend a birth control pill with fewer side effects if this is needed.

2. Some changes when stopping oral contraceptives

2.1. You could get pregnant When you stop taking birth control pills, you could either get pregnant earlier than expected or take a long time to get pregnant. However, some studies show that pregnancy rates are comparable to those of women who have used barrier methods such as condoms. Up to 96% of people taking the pill daily become pregnant again within a year. And in another study, more than half of women became pregnant 6 months after stopping the pill. However, it may take longer (up to a year) after you stop injecting such as Depo-Provera.
2.2. Your periods become irregular Even if your period before you start using birth control is like clockwork, it can take several months for them to work properly. after you stop using your daily birth control pill. And if you have irregular periods, your cycle can be reversed - because of the hormones in the pill. If you stop taking the medication completely, it can take several months for your cycle to start again.

2.3. Periods can become more intense If your period is heavy and painful before the start of your period, chances are some of your problems will return. But if you started out as a teen and you're now in your 30s or 40s, you probably won't go back to that heavy cycle.
2.4. Menopausal syndrome can come back Birth control pills are specifically some formulations of pills that help your body get rid of the hormonal disturbances that can make you feel depressed, anxious and irritable. Without that balance, you may start to feel moody again.
2.5. You may experience pain between cycles Most birth control methods work by keeping you from ovulating. So, once normal body functions start again, you may feel mild symptoms like: mild cramping on one side of your pelvis as your ovaries release an egg. You may also have a lot of vaginal discharge.
2.6. Your weight may decrease Women who use progestin-only types such as injections, hormonal IUDs or daily birth control pills, can gain several pounds. Therefore, their weight may also decrease when they stop using these measures. This weight gain is also not clear to confirm the cause of the combination pill, patch or IUD. However, if you're looking to lose weight, you'll probably get more results from a proper diet along with strength-training exercise rather than relying on birth control to lose weight.

2.7. Acne and hair in unwanted places Birth control pills can correct hormone imbalances that cause your skin to break out or hair to grow in unwanted places. However, this condition may only be temporary. Because when you stop birth control, your hormones can drop again, causing those problems.
2.8. May restore libido A small number of women find that using oral contraceptives reduces libido, especially if they take certain medications in low doses. Some studies have also shown that about 15% of women experience sexual desire again after they stop using oral contraceptives.
2.9. Get rid of headaches If using birth control pills tends to give you headaches, you may get relief when you stop taking them.
2.10. You'll still be protected from some diseases One of the best side effects of long-term oral contraceptive use can be a reduced risk of ovarian cancer and endometriosis. The same is true for some types of noncancerous problems such as fibroids and fibroids.
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