So, when should I go off the pill?

[MichelleG_Esq]

Hello. My husband and I are planning on trying for a baby starting in April. Because I am in law school we would really like to shoot for giving birth between late January to early March 2009 (I'll only be going part time, or possibly taking a semester off).
This will be a new experience, as I was the youngest child of two, never babysat, never even held a baby until my sister had her daughter in March, and I'm apprehensive (as one could imagine). Luckily, my husband is the eldest of four (two of which he helped feed, change diapers, etc.), a teacher, and simply amazing with children.
We're both young (I'll be 23 in June and he will be 25 in April), but we're in a financially and emotionally stable situation and are in a position to receive a lot of help from our in-laws and friends.
Anyway, sorry for my life story there, but thought I would give a background for my questions...

1) I've been on Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo for 4 and 1/2 years, if we'd like to start trying in mid-April at the earliest, when should I go off?

2) Should I expect a drastic change in my cycle?

3) We're going to consult an OB/GYN in Feb., what kinds of questions should I ask that I may not think of?


Thanks in advance :)

[fuchsiasky]

Welcome! This is definitely a new experience, but there are lots of lovely ladies here to give help, support and info. I have just gone off Tricyclene Lo after two years so thought I would share what I know. For more info read the what to expect sticky.

I was told to go off at least 3 months in advance, but have gone off early cause I didn't like being on the pill anymore. It is a good plan to have an alternate birth control untill you are ready. it can be helpful to start charting to see what your cycle is like and when not to BD (baby dance). this will help when you start trying too.

I have only had one cycle but it seems to be ok. It was 27 days instead of 28, but not sure if I O'd. Am temping this time to see if I do. I havent had any other symtoms except some nasty mood swings.

I'd do some research online for a list of questions. there are a few good ones out there.

Good luck!

[candinr]

As for going off the pill, maybe 1 month before you are ready to start trying. I was told to have at least 1 cycle before TTC. As far as BC affecting your cycles and taking a long time to get out of your system, my OB told me that was a myth when I asked her. I was on Seasonale, the extended cycle pill for 5.5 years. I was off it for 3 months, 2 cycles before I got PG. Good luck!

[joygirl]

Welcome!

1) I've been on Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo for 4 and 1/2 years, if we'd like to start trying in mid-April at the earliest, when should I go off?

~I'd go off by February to allow you time to see how your body reacts and use a back-up in the meantime.

2) Should I expect a drastic change in my cycle?

~There's no easy answer to this one! Some girls go right back to a perfect cycle and others have major issues. From my brief knowledge of this, I find that most girls who have a nice normal cycle pre-bcp tend to have no issues returning to one. If you had an oddball cycle pre-bcp you may encounter problems.

3) We're going to consult an OB/GYN in Feb., what kinds of questions should I ask that I may not think of?

~Always ask about how they handle ttc and possible problems. I found with going through infertility, you should never leave a doc's office without knowing their next step, it saves time. On the other hand, also be sure to ask the steps for when you are pregnant (hopefully this will be your next call!!!) so you know what b/w and appts to expect and when :)

Best of luck to you!

[rubber_da_glove]

I would say at the most one month! Sometimes it takes ages for the pill to leave your system and sometimes just a few days! I thought because I had been on the pill for 7 years it might take a while but I was pregnant before I got a real A/F (was a shock!)