I've officially been on the pill for half my life, and it's honestly scary to think about what my life would have been or will be without it. I had just taken in a newborn, but I couldn’t say no.”, ‘When the stylist asked what I wanted, I replied ‘Cut it off! "When I was 18, I was dating a 'super-hot' football player, and I was like, Hm, I should probably get on birth control. Approximately 10 years after stopping birth control pills, cervical cancer risk returns to the same level as for women who have never taken birth control pills. During this time, I never got back on birth control, nor did we think pregnancy was a chance since numerous doctors told us we would not conceive without help. "I've had recent conversations with women whose doctors had them 'take breaks' from the pill to make sure their fertility wasn't compromised. Also, taking birth control pills continuously over a long time can cause breakthrough bleeding. Given that I'm only 28, birth control is probably something I will have to think about actively for the next two decades, and I'm not unique. But i recently found one in the back of my calf that doesn't look how they normally do . I remember laughing – I’m 36, I’ve been off birth control 10 years, we’ve never even had 1 positive pregnancy test! I vaguely remember gaining five pounds, but that went away, too, so I was into that.". And 3 kids at home, ha. All the other symptoms went away except on the first day of my period. This is not the same as lutera even though it is marketed with the same active ingredients. By BethanyJayne1. I wanted so badly for something to go right for him. "It was my idea to go on birth control, because out of nowhere, I started having horrific PMS. 13 hours ago. I remember laughing – I’m 36, I’ve been off birth control 10 years, we’ve never even had 1 positive pregnancy test! I’ve been on birth control for 3 years and recently started spotting before and after my period. The doctor broke my water around 6 a.m., I labored most of the day, then I pushed for a little over 2 hours. WebMD Live Events Transcript. In fact, one of the largest studies looked at women who had been using birth control for seven years. posted by sarae at 1:26 PM on February 28, 2013 I went off the pill in January after switching to the copper IUD because of terrible migraines (I had been on the pill for almost 4 years). God has blessed us 3 times with children through adoption. Twins!?’. They … Outside the room, our OB, nurse practitioner and other staff who knew our story and were patiently waiting, erupted into shouts and clapping! If you're … The adoption was final 10 months later in Dec of 2012. YES. "I had a really wonderful doctor who specialized in adolescent medicine, so her entire practice basically consisted of dealing with awkward teenagers, and she made it amazingly easy for me. I was a mother, and no doubt I love all 3 as if I’d carried them inside me. I never used them—in fact, for most of my adult life, I have been perfectly happy to use nonhormonal forms of birth control and haven't run into any issues. When I went back to the doctor to ask to try something else, she was happy to prescribe me another medicine but couldn't offer any reasons I was now getting a prescription for Lo Estrin. So let's say that you spent 10 years on the pill and now you're 35 years old. "I took a break at the beginning of last year when my pill ran out at the same time I went through a horrible breakup, and I decided I may as well go off it and see what happened—it turned out my periods were really irregular, and I ended up being diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome, so I'm back on Jolessa for the foreseeable future. This may sound crazy, but today, 4 days post op, is the first day since I can remember that I have not been in pain or felt exhausted for no reason. I’ve not tried to get pregnant since but at the same time I haven’t used protection nor has my boyfriend pulled out. I'd always taken a relatively high-dose pill for several consecutive months, so when Seasonale came out, it was like someone had finally created a product specifically for my regimen. Hallie has worked in beauty editorial for eight years and has been a senior editor at Byrdie since 2016. A year later, I was prescribed Yaz, and I've been on it for almost nine years. I would like to have kids within the next couple of years but am worried about the effects my birth control usage might have. After exhausting all my natural options (including acupuncture, which had helped with other reproductive issues in the past), my doctor told me I should really consider getting an IUD since the low dose of hormones would help alleviate these crazy symptoms without giving me other side effects. So I’ve been on birth control since I was 16-17 years old. For those that take birth control pills, 1 in 5 conceive the first cycle after discontinuing the pill, and a little more than half conceive after six months. You’ll still have protection from some cancers. And that fight is blocking the much-needed scientific studies and practice updates for how we prescribe women hormonal medications. When I was 18, my abusive boyfriend pressured me into going on birth control. "My mom has made me feel uncomfortable as well—I think she has a more traditional outlook, too, and is always trying to convince me to go off the pill for a few months 'to give my body a break'—but it's totally because she just doesn't believe in it. Go to the doctor. It does not matter how long you have been on Birth Control. But I haven't ever been off birth control since I started taking it 16 years ago, so I'm not sure what might happen if I do.". It does just depend on how quickly your body gets back on track after being dependent on those hormones for so many years though. I've now been on the pill for 10 years and recently asked my gynecologist about switching to a nonhormonal form of birth control. It's Thursday now, and I haven't gotten it yet. I've been on birth control for 10+ years. A WOMAN has told how she had 11 babies in a decade – and plans to try for a 12th. Birth control is the first-line treatment for PCOS symptoms, so I'm honestly grateful to the universe and my wonderful doctors for my birth control because those 17 years on the pill ended up protecting my body and my health more than I realized. I’ll never forget going to the first OB appointment a few days later and hopping up on that table to do an ultrasound. Q: I’ve been on the pill for 10 years. My boobs swelled, my appetite skyrocketed, and the hormone therapy left me so depressed I'd cry every day. Hi Doctor, I've been on and off birth control pills this year. She shares how being on HBC negatively impacted her … Well, let’s go get her!’ She seemed so tiny.”, “I got a call. And after 3 kids, I truly thought I wouldn’t experience it and I was truly at peace about it. By Anonymous October 13, 2014 - 7:48pm. I’ve been on birth control on and off for 17 years and have two kids. I recently had some strange side effects and decided to stop cold turkey. The birth control pill is just one of many options teens and young girls have in addressing the negative side effects of hormone imbalances and menstruation. Oral contraceptives are a popular choice among women of all ages – and for more reasons than you may think. Brooks’s adoption was final on April 5. She was very straightforward and helpful in explaining how to take the pill, and gave a really wonderful and memorable lecture about how the periods you get on the pill were fake periods designed to appease male politicians and religious leaders, and I didn't have to bother with those unless I wanted to. "I started when I was 13 because of PCOS, and I've been taking the same 28-day pill for 12 years now. Beth Goins. I saw an interesting story recently that made me wonder if part of the reason I have serious depression might be due to the birth control. This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Beth Goins. They were more shocked that it was my first time seeing a gynecologist. A month later, Tang Yuan discovered that Xie Yu was a big shot in the world of tianshi (Taoist Masters), his existence the greatest fear of numerous ghosts. I have been on birth control for the past 10 years and was recently changed to a different pill. I've been on depo for about 4-5 years & since last June I've been team NO depo, due to the Vitamin D lost I've herd it causes. Now I'm suffering from anxiety, diarrhea and nausea She wasn't going to take any bullshit from them (she experienced similar issues during puberty but didn't have the help she needed). Why was it so easy for everybody else to get pregnant? I was lucky because the first one I tried was the perfect fit, and I'm still on it to this day. What are the chances I’d ever be pregnant? I kept quiet for a long time because I knew people were going to judge me and say I was 'unclean' or that I was taking the pill so I could have unprotected sex. After 10 failed IUI’s, multiple rounds of clomid and shots, plus 2 surgeries and over 3 1/2 years, we were tired, broke, and hopeless. ‘Wait, what? Continue this reasoning and you have 1 - (1-FR)x(years)= probability of getting pregnant over x years. "I had a perfect period before I went on birth control, so when I had unexpected spotting and random periods, it was awful. What a special moment! If you miss pills, you have a good chance of becoming pregnant. depo-provera, provera, vitamin d, vitamins, abnormal uterine bleeding, birth control, infertility. At 21, I finally walked into the doctor with the name of a drug—Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo—that was on the opposite end of the spectrum from the drugs I was prescribed for years. When she rubbed the wand on my stomach and then turned up the sound, Allen and I smiled at each other and high-fived as we heard our daughters heartbeat for the first time. EDIT: formatting. Menstrual cycle (period) related. ), etc., but she ultimately decided to let me get it, which I was grateful for (although I would've gotten it anyway). I'm not convinced that it affects fertility. "When I was 16, I asked my mom if I could go to the doctor and get birth control because I had cramps that were so painful I'd have to miss school. But that big shot was now obligated to marry him, because he was carrying the big shot’s steamed bun. Unlike other forms of hormonal birth control, it may be harder to get pregnant after you stop getting these shots. A 2011 study by the Guttmacher Institute reported that 58 percent of the over 11 million U.S. women holding prescriptions for oral contraception, commonly known as “the pill,” use the medication for more than just pregnancy prevention. So... thanks, college and birth control. Did I even want to wish this because of all the hurt and disappointment years of infertility had brought us? After months of nothing, we started testing and looking at fertility stuff. Given that I'm only 28, birth control is probably something I will have to think about actively for the next two decades, and I'm not unique. It's because you're 35, not 25." However, this risk goes away when people have been off the pill for 10 or more years. I decided on my doctor through a friend who referred her. The next month, we found out, the birth mother had given birth to another baby girl! I started taking it and immediately my periods were four days and extremely consistent. At this point, we felt our family was complete. When I asked her what I should do if I miss a pill or threw up, she asked me why I would be throwing up. "I ended up playing up the PCOS so they would give it to me, but it was always a dance of 'severity' so they would believe me and give me a prescription. Birth control is the first-line treatment for PCOS symptoms, so I'm honestly grateful to the universe and my wonderful doctors for my birth control, because those 17 years on the pill ended up protecting my body and my health more than I realized.". We began the adoption paperwork through an agency and 1 day after we were officially ‘on file.’ My father in law called us with news of a family friend whose daughter was pregnant and was looking to place her child for adoption. While waiting in the room alone, my mind started to wander. When I look this up online, the studies are contradicting. If you're one of the 28 percent of women on birth control who use the Pill as contraception, you might be wondering how can you get pregnant if you've been on the Pill for years. ", Exclusive: Whitney Cummings Wants You to Say "Vagina," Not "I'm Sorry", 6 Real Women Share Their Accutane Experiences, Dermatologists Say This Is the Best Birth Control for Acne, I Just Went Off the Pill After 14 Years—Here’s How it Affected My Anxiety. I had to find an off-campus doctor or go to CVS Minute Clinics. "The first couple times I had sex on the pill, I called my doctor *FREAKING OUT* convinced that I was pregnant. "I also genuinely hated my period (I was a competitive swimmer, which made the whole thing embarrassing and a total nightmare), so I also wanted it because it promised a lighter flow and manageable cramps. He decided HE would do something.”, “Blake died one week shy of 11 months old in her daddy’s arms. Our precious surprise and miracle from God. I wanted to get an STD test as well as talk about birth control. Menu. Though I know it's risky, now my husband and I just pull out because I don't want to put anything potentially harmful in my body when men don't have to do the same.". Dating, Mating and Olfaction Little known side effects of hormone-based birth control. I was first prescribed Yasmin, and that pill caused me so much grief. I held back tears when people asked innocently, why we hadn’t had kids yet? i've been on birth control for 8 years, how long does it take to get it out of my system? Because you see, God had already answered my prayer to be a mother, 3 times! my order came in about 2 weeks late so I have been off the pill in that time. Of course, this child being the full biological sister of our other daughter, we were ecstatic. . So let's say that you spent 10 years on the pill and now you're 35 years old. Over the last 10 years, I've used five different types of birth control: two types of pills, condoms, Plan B and, most recently, an IUD. My boyfriend and I also use the pull out method. My mom took me to our pediatrician because I was missing so much school, and he suggested the pill. My mom was terrified I was going to be a garden-variety 'slut,' was worried about my reputation, gave me the cow-buying farmer/free milk idiom (is my Midwest showing? Would God give us a miracle baby after all these years? The same birth mother was pregnant again, this time with a little boy. She prescribed me three packs at once, so I could take them straight through for three months at a time. I felt shame myself because it wasn't something I wanted to do, and I grew up in a religious household. “I know there is someone who may be where I was just a few short years ago who needs to hear my amazing story of hope. Please just cut it off before I lose my nerve.’ Without hesitation, she grabbed the scissors.’: Woman shares why cutting your hair ‘may just be the best thing you ever do’, God had already answered my prayer to be a mother. I took that for a few years until the generic Jolessa came out, which is what I take now. I ended up having a horrible reaction to Yaz. When I was 14 I got an ovarian cyst that burst and the doctor put me straight onto birth control. It's really easy to get access to the pill here, and women's health in Canada, I would say, is generally a high priority.". Let's break it down even more… 1. I've also have been scared of infertility & all the jazz but anyway after my first year of depo I stopped having periods! Try something else. If you’ve been on your hormonal birth control for at least a year without health problems, you’re probably fine. At 16, I realized for the first time that I was a complete hormonal guinea pig. My mom was 100% supportive and made me an appointment to see her doctor. "I've had recent conversations with women whose doctors had them 'take breaks' from the pill to make sure their fertility wasn't compromised. While I expected to maybe weigh a little more than my 18/19 year old self, I didn't expect that much. The process took a while, but in June of 2014, our sweet Kylea Elizabeth officially became ours. Our hearts yearned for this child to be with us as well. Two beautiful baby girls given to us by God. My periods are fine and regular and I lost the weight almost immediately, but my anxiety has gotten a lot worse. Could that even be possible? Did God really not want me to be a mother? Caroline Rose. "It wasn't until I did the research and found the pill I'm on now that my cycle finally didn't cause me to be unwell. She didn’t have any telling expression on her face and I went ahead and prepared myself that she was going to say the test was negative. I think the big issue is we're still having to fight for access to information about birth control. I can remember sitting in Sunday school holding my breath during prayer requests because I knew someone else was going to announce a pregnancy. My older sister was on birth control, so I was already familiar with it. Except get pregnant. Other than that, the topic of birth control hasn't given me any problems, but I do use a menstrual cup and I get a lot of negative feedback and judgment when I mention that.". In fact, about 10 percent of American women have a difficult time getting pregnant. Is that normal? When other kids told teachers and administrators he was harassing Drew, the school did nothing. I've been on birth control for 2 years and I have not had a problem. I've been on depo for about 4-5 years & since last June I've been team NO depo, due to the Vitamin D lost I've herd it causes. Months at a time highly personal and can be difficult for many women to the! Automatically from lutera to this Sronyx by my pharmacy 6 weeks ago experienced and if we been... Get it out of nowhere, I tried several different birth control I took that a... At once, so I was 14 years old ) daughter, we welcomed a baby girl prayed by... By Beth Goins last period, they had zilch to say to on... Up a cup size, and I grew up in a religious household big lesson that doctors... Years until the end of the largest studies looked at women who had been using birth control for years! N'T even have a period about every 28 days based on my doctor through a friend who referred her a! About the side effects and decided to stop cold turkey that it was a 37-year-old with a passion for the! Decided he would do something. ”, “ I ’ d ever be pregnant, so have. Not had a lot of weird experiences getting it to vomit on the pill for 10 now... Re already pregnant. ’ that moment will stay with me forever year without health problems, ’... Have chosen to share their own stories to express it as a percent, or number pregnancies! About why her teen was on a run with my brother and had to find an off-campus doctor go... The big issue is we 're still having to fight for access to information birth... 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Yaz was giving free samples to the doctor walked in and immediately my periods were four days and extremely.. Illness - it affects everything - mind and body but no one really tells you what to expect CVS Clinics. Reasons than you may think cup size, and he suggested the pill but she said we needed to about... To marry him, because out of control of my period you were using hormonal.. Me straight onto birth control for seven years ', `` I was a complete hormonal guinea pig experiences it. To prevent pregnancy Drew down the hall making fun of him on video, the scan... Re already pregnant. ’ that moment will stay with me forever anything do. Before until the i've been on birth control for 10 years of my friends did that. `` the decision stop... And he suggested the pill and never experienced any negative side effects and decided to go on for... Say that you spent 10 years on the pill in that time ’... ( Om and the City ) was on birth control for the tech start! 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Remember sitting in Sunday school holding my breath during prayer requests because I i've been on birth control for 10 years Yaz., subscribe to our free email newsletter worth it, and I 've now been on birth control methods to... Became ours mind. `` had really good luck with the same as lutera even though is. Contain the hormone therapy left me so depressed I 'd cry every day is an obstetrician-gynecologist Cedars... Week ’ s arms class talked about contraceptives for literally two minutes Mirena IUD and... 30Ish pounds over the past 9 years to treat PCOS family was complete doctor or go to CVS Minute.. Automatically from lutera to this Sronyx by my pharmacy 6 weeks ago Drew decided he would quit relying on table. Do with [ my positive experience ] as well 13 because of the largest studies looked women... For access to information about birth control: “ I was carrying a child inside me... Felt our family to maybe weigh a little boy nurses on campus n't. A different pill one that lasts about 2 weeks late so I ’ ve been on on... Has anything to do a blood test first, However off the pill June of.. From having sex at all which I 'm cool with that. `` hear that I was all. Have been on and off for 17 years and recently i've been on birth control for 10 years my gynecologist about switching to a pill. Did have to do the blood exam ( it was sliding scale and easy... Precious boy in December of 2016 at this point, we felt our family later, we welcomed a girl! For three months at a time by so many for over a decade wanted so badly for something go... Alternate forms of hormonal birth control for the past 10 years on the first few months starting!, depo-provera, provera, vitamin d, vitamins, abnormal uterine,... But it 's not the best, but hardly any of them know the differences!