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XtinaStyles


Marc Jacobs

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Considering going off bc?
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I am considering going off my birth control.  I've been on it for about 4 years solid - am without insurance at this point, am not really having such a "need" for it if you get my drift, and have always felt like it contributed to weight gain and lack of sex drive.

However, I worry about any side effects, like I remember when I started taking it I was looking forward to my skin breaking out less and easier periods.  Now if I go off, do I break out and get bad cramps?  I feel like I don't even remember what life is like without birth control.

Did anyone go off and regret it?  Do you feel much better?  Can I take 2 months off to see what its like?  


I was on Ortho Cyclen.

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Becca


Kate Spade

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I take Yaz. I went off it for about 7 months, went back on for a few months, but didn't keep up with taking it regularly. I do not recommend it, and definitely regret it! I did have a few breakouts and my period was very abnormal. It would last longer, and sometimes come back in the same month. Look into planned parenthood, where you can get bc cheaper. Or ask your gyno for a few months' worth of samples to tide you over. Mine is very good about freebies.

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Kelly


Hermes

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If it's the lack of insurance that's the biggest problem, you should look into Wal-mart. They have generic ortho tri-cyclen for only $9! It's a great deal.

That being said, I've been on the generic for a couple months and it is making me go batshit crazy. I'm switching to brand-name again as soon as I'm done with this pack. BUT I know lots of people who do just fine on generic and don't notice any kind of a difference.

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Fashion is art you live your life in. - Devil Wears Prada | formerly ttara123
Elle


Hermes

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You can definitely take a couple months off to see how things go, but things may not get back to 'normal' for you for three months or so.  I'd probably avoid going on-off-on-off-on, and of course keep in mind that if you were 'in need' you'd have to begin again and wait a few weeks for it to be effective.  Arm yourself with some ibuprofen and a heating pad and see what happens!

Or, you could go to some of the pharmacies (in-store or online) and get a list of the generic BC they offer.  Walmart, Fred Meyer/Kroger, and Walgreens are all places that have certain varieties for cheap cheap cheap.  Walgreens also has a prescription discount 'plan' you can sign up for.  Then you could always research or call a doc/planned parenthood for recs off that list to see if you can find something that's more compatible.  I'd go for a monophasic (hormones the same all month) instead of a triphasic like ortho-tricylcen (hormones change each week) - they tend to have fewer side effects.

I've not had a non-BC period in ...... 6 years now?  I was toying with the idea of getting an IUD until I found my current pill (generic Seasonale), but I heart.gif it and don't want to go back to monthly periods! 

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To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment ~ {Ralph Waldo Emerson}
gingembre1


Kate Spade

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I personally have always felt WAY better off birth control. I think it's unique to each individual what works or doesn't for you. If you don't have a "need" for bc, and you could save a good chunk of money not being on it, I say give it a try.

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jettie


Kate Spade

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I was on BC for about 5 years and went off a few years ago. Cramps can sometimes be bad (although not as bad as they were when I was a teenager). Otherwise, there were no big changes. I've always been pretty regular though.

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member


Hermes

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 I just went off birth control after being on it for 9 years.  I decided that it was causing too many problems (major headaches, not helping my skin anymore, always feeling sick/nauseous, etc), so I said screw it and stopped taking it.  I feel 150% better off of it.  My skin is totally fine, and my periods are normal and still on time.  They are also light.  I was totally irregular before I started the pill too.  One thing I've noticed is I do get cramps more now.  Today they were really bad, but I took Midol and they went away. 

Oh and as for generic pills - they are supposed to be the same as brand name, but I had a hell of a time w/generic b.c - my side effects were way worse.



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jrhampt


Kenneth Cole

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I've been thinking about going off hormonal bc and getting an IUD, myself. I don't have skin problems off bc since I'm older now and use retin-a. I'm not looking forward to getting periods again, but I miss my old sex drive and it may just be worth the cramps to get that back.

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XtinaStyles


Marc Jacobs

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i think i'm going off it.

it wasnt so much about the money - I can shell out $20 a month until i get insurance. I think I want to discover the me before bc. I can always go back, even though my dr won't be too happy I'm sure. Thanks for the imput

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sfclinevandy


Coach

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Just be careful.  I went off the pill, after being on it for 12 years, to try to lose water weight/puffiness so I'd look good at my wedding.  I was off it for 1 month and now I'm 24 weeks pregnant. Ha!

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Sibeski


Dooney & Bourke

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I'm having opposing worries!  I haven't been on BC's for 5 years and am thinking of getting back on - I just can't decide!
I will recommend this website though, www.mymonthlycycles.com.  You can track your period's and such so you know when to NOT be..ummm..amorousbiggrin

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