Getting off the pill

[50sjayne]

Hi. I'm seriously thinking about not taking birth control any more. I'm 40, been on the pill for over 20 years and just don't have much use for it anymore (married 19 years lol) I also think it makes me keep extra weight on and makes my chest heavier which doesn't help my back any...I think I'll finish out this cycle and then not purchase any more. I mean there are alternative methods of birth control-- he can use a condom, I've not had any experience with any other form of birth control. It's a big decision for me, I'm a little scared, I mean, getting pregnant would be a huge problem, financially, physically and I don't have the kind of job where pregnancy is easy, Plus old eggs, sperm increase possibility of birth defects etc. I think the odds are with me though, as far as statistics on getting pregnant after 40. Any opinions would be appreciated.

 

[Lmichele]

I would say talk it over with you OBGYN during your next annual visit. Perhaps he/she can give you other options. Then discuss all options with your spouse and go from there. IMHO

 

[disneychrista]

If the main reason that you want to get off the pill is because you think it might be some miracle weight loss cure then then you might want to rethink it. Make sure you have a VERY reliable birth control before doing anything. Condoms can be a hassle "in the moment" other (non-hormone) birth-controls you must think ahead and be prepared. This is deffiently something you should be discussing with your OBGYN before doing anything.

 

[weare6travelers]

I recently went off the pill after being on it for 11+ years. I was not on it for birth control but for fibroids and regulating my periods. I was just sick of being on them and decided to go off. I did talk to my OBGYN first though. I am amazed how much better I feel and I do think it made me more bloated.
FYI, I am married and have 4 children but fortunatly by husband had a vasectomy 10 years ago. Would your husband agree to that? Maybe discuss your concerns with him about getting pregnant at this stage in your life.

 

[50sjayne]

Hmm-wrote this huge long response yesterday and it disappeared, must have hit the wrong button...(it is entirely possible with the meds I'm taking) Anyways thanks for your responses, I think I will stay on the pill even though I know I would lose weight, and heaviness in my breasts that would help my back. Husband would not even consider a vasectomy. Since I got pregnant twice (2 kids) while on the pill, I'm sure I would be in that small % of women who get knocked up over 40. Not cool. I dunno, I'm going to do some more research on bc pills and weight gain. I have a couple of weeks to find some good facts.

 

[50sjayne]

Well, I did some more research last night and have decided that I will go off the necon when I'm through with this cycle. Some of the side effects that I have are hair loss (on scalp,hair growth on body) increased appetite (definitely have and have complained on this board about it, increased breast size and weight gain. I am 40-41 in April, my doctor actually sort of suggested I get off the pill last pap, of course he suggested husband get vasectomy too, but he would not even consider that...
Chances are slim of getting pregnant, even slimmer with use of condom From what I've read about other forms of the pill are not much better. Also it says difficulty wearing contacts decreased sex drive, (uhuh) and increases migraines (yup). I don't need all that at this point in my life. Thinking of giving husband some interesting "gift certificates" for xmas this year to make up for condom usage lol.

 

[mla1977]

Have you considered an IUD? I think short of abstinence, they are supposed to be the most effective form of birth control. Even better than the pill. I would talk to your doctor about that as an alternative.

 

[50sjayne]

Thanks, I will look into that.

 

[Kae]

Have you considered an IUD? I think short of abstinence, they are supposed to be the most effective form of birth control. Even better than the pill. I would talk to your doctor about that as an alternative.

Thats what I was going to say. I have one, can't think of what it is called but it is the one without hormones. I have had it 7 years can keep it 10. I will say my periods are heavier & longer but before I had very light & short (3 days)

Kae

 

[sskem96]

Have you considered getting a tubal ligation? I had one 6 weeks after DD9 was born since we decided our family was complete. You may still have several fertile years left, and if you're sure you don't want any more children, a permanent solution may be best. (I'm an OB nurse and have taken care of LOTS of women up to age 47 who thought they were too old to get pregnant!)

 

[adsrtw]

I heart my IUD.

 

[cepmom]

I got off the pill after many years too. We have three kids and I was tired of being on it. I told DH he needed to have a vasectomy. Of course he didn't want one, but after I pointed out to him that I gave birth to three kids,one of them being an emergency c-section, and ruined my stomach with stretch marks the least he could do was have the vasectomy done. He couldn't argue with that

I have a good friend that thought she was too old to get pregnant too, but low and behold she just had baby number three at age 43 Her DH just had the vasectomy too after all that!

I would say that if your DH absolutely won't consider vasectomy, then you should look into tubal ligation just to make sure you won't get pregnant at this point.