Hormonal birth control, such as the contraceptive pill, is obviously a practical way of preventing unwanted pregnancies. However, not everyone gets on with it and, increasingly, women seem to be opting for non-hormonal forms of birth control, such as the copper coil or ‘IUD’. Whether you’re coming off hormonal birth control, because you’re trying to conceive, or simply to try a different method of birth control, things aren’t always plain sailing. You can usually notice a number of changes occurring when you come off the pill, and not all of them are pleasant! Check out these six things that can happen when you stop taking birth control and find out what to expect!
Hormonal birth control can, ironically, lower your sex drive, so you may experience an increased libido when you stop taking it!
Because your body is used to getting a steady influx of hormone from your birth control, when you stop taking it you often have irregular periods, but this should go back to normal after a while!
You’ll also tend to have heavier periods than you did while you were on birth control. Bummer.
Oh, and did we mention that period pains and PMS symptoms generally get worse, too? Sigh.
If you suffered from acne before you went on birth control, and it cleared up while taking your pill, don’t be surprised if it comes back!
Finally, the most obvious (but potentially most life-altering) thing that happens is that your chance of getting pregnant is increased. This is great news if you’re trying to conceive, but remember to start using an alternative form of birth control right away if you don’t want to hear the pitter-patter of tiny feet yet!
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