Elena Tapia
There are many reasons why someone might want to stop taking birth control, including wanting a break from hormones, planning for pregnancy, or experiencing bothersome side effects. While there is no right way to go off birth control, it's important to be aware of the potential side effects of stopping, such as changes in the menstrual cycle, heavier periods, mood changes, and changes in sex drive. It's also crucial to consider other forms of contraception to prevent unintended pregnancy if that is not the desired outcome. Additionally, it's recommended to consult a doctor before stopping birth control to discuss any concerns and determine the best course of action.
What You'll Learn
Side effects of stopping
Firstly, your body will likely experience significant hormonal shifts, which can lead to intense premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms such as cramps, bloating, and mood swings. These symptoms may be more intense than what you experienced while on hormonal birth control. Additionally, some people also develop pregnancy-like symptoms, such as nausea and breast tenderness, after stopping birth control.
The intense hormonal shifts can also lead to a return of acne as your body adjusts to changing hormone levels. This is because hormonal birth control can correct the hormone imbalance that causes skin breakouts, but this effect is only temporary. Once you stop taking birth control, your acne may come back.
Another common side effect of stopping hormonal birth control is changes in your menstrual cycle. Even if you had regular periods before starting birth control, it might take several months for your cycles to regulate again. If you had irregular periods previously, you may experience an off-kilter cycle again. Additionally, you may experience heavier periods and more intense cramping.
It is also common to experience changes in your sex drive after stopping hormonal birth control. Many people report a decrease in sexual desire while on hormonal birth control, so halting it might increase your libido.
Lastly, some people experience changes in their weight after stopping hormonal birth control. While some people may lose a small amount of weight, this is not a guaranteed effect. You may experience a temporary increase in bloating and weight gain as your body adjusts.
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Fertility and pregnancy
If you stop taking birth control, your fertility and menstrual cycle will take some time to adjust. Your cycle should return to its previous cadence within three months, but you may experience some side effects in the meantime.
Within a week of stopping, most people experience withdrawal bleeding, which could feel like a light to normal period. You may also experience spotting or bleeding between periods, and your periods may be irregular for a few months.
You may also experience changes in your sex drive, mood, and weight. Your skin may break out, and you may notice breast tenderness. These symptoms are temporary, and your body will adjust to its new rhythm of hormonal levels and cycles.
If you are stopping birth control with the intention of becoming pregnant, it is important to note that pregnancy is a possibility immediately after stopping. However, it may take several months for your cycles to straighten out, and your fertility may take longer to return if you have been using hormonal birth control or long-acting reversible birth control.
If you are not planning to become pregnant, it is essential to use another form of contraception, such as condoms, as your menstrual cycle returns to normal.
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Menstrual cycle changes
When you stop taking birth control, your body will need some time to adjust. You might notice some spotting or bleeding between periods, and your periods may be irregular for a few months. However, this is temporary, and your cycle will return to how it was before you started taking birth control.
If you stop taking a combination pill, which contains both progestin and estrogen, you may experience heavier periods and more painful cramping or pain during ovulation. You may also notice changes in your mood or more noticeable PMS symptoms. Other less common side effects include changes to your skin, breast tenderness, and unwanted hair growth.
If you stop taking a progestin-only pill, often called a minipill, you may experience irregular periods, especially if your periods were irregular before you started taking birth control. Your periods may take a few months to start up again, and you may have heavier periods and more cramping.
It's important to note that as soon as you stop taking birth control, you're no longer protected from pregnancy. So, if you're planning to stop and continue having vaginal sex, but you don't want to get pregnant, you'll need to use another birth control method.
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Weight changes
If you stop taking these forms of birth control, you may experience a decrease in weight. However, this weight loss is usually minimal. You may lose some retained water, which could lead to a pound or two of weight loss.
On the other hand, some people may experience a temporary increase in bloating and weight gain after stopping hormonal or copper-based contraception. More research is needed to understand why this happens.
If you are concerned about weight changes while taking birth control or after stopping it, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional. They can help you manage any side effects and advise you on alternative methods of contraception if needed.
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Health concerns
There are several health concerns to be aware of when stopping birth control. Firstly, it is important to note that hormonal birth control can affect everyone differently, and side effects can range from mild to severe. Some common side effects of stopping birth control include changes in your menstrual cycle, heavier and more painful periods, mood changes, increased acne, and changes in weight and sex drive. These side effects are usually temporary as your body adjusts to the changes in hormone levels, but it is important to be prepared for them.
Another concern when stopping birth control is the risk of pregnancy. If you are not ready to conceive, it is crucial to use another form of contraception, such as condoms, as your fertility can return quickly. Up to 85% of former pill users get pregnant within a year, so it is important to be prepared if you are not intending to become pregnant.
Additionally, some people may experience more serious side effects when stopping birth control, such as severe cramping, headaches, and breast tenderness. It is important to listen to your body and contact your healthcare provider if you experience any concerning symptoms. For example, if you experience heavy bleeding, shortness of breath, severe pain, or symptoms of a blood clot, seek medical attention immediately.
Furthermore, some forms of birth control, such as Depo-Provera, may have long-term health implications if used continuously for more than two years. It is important to be aware of the potential risks and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider. They can help you weigh the benefits and risks of different birth control methods and make informed decisions about your health.
Overall, stopping birth control can have a range of health implications, from mild to more serious side effects. It is important to be informed about the potential risks and side effects, listen to your body, and seek medical advice if needed.
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Frequently asked questions
Side effects of stopping birth control may include changes in your menstrual cycle, heavier periods with more painful cramping, changes in mood, more noticeable PMS symptoms, changes to your sex drive, skin changes, breast tenderness, and unwanted hair growth.
Yes, you can stop taking birth control at any time. However, it may be more natural for your body to stop when you are already on your period or at the end of a pack of birth control pills. It is important to consider the timing of stopping birth control as pregnancy is possible immediately after.
If you have an implant or IUD, you will need to schedule a minor medical procedure to have it removed by a healthcare provider. For individuals using birth control pills or an inserted device, such as a Nuvaring, you can stop taking the pills when you have finished the pack or remove the device yourself.
When you stop taking birth control, your body will adjust to its new rhythm of hormonal levels and cycles. Some people report feeling "more themselves" right away, while others may take longer to adjust to these changes. You may experience changes in your menstrual cycle, sex drive, weight, and skin.
If you are not sexually active and your period symptoms are manageable without hormonal birth control, you may not need to use birth control. If you are sexually active but want to avoid hormonal birth control, your partner should be involved in this decision, and alternative methods of contraception, such as condoms or sterilization, can be considered.
