Mom's That Took Birth Control

A.,

Wow, lots of advice! I don't know if anyone has offered this or not, but relax and forget about trying so hard and maybe take a vacation. Both my babies were conceived either before or after vacation. I guess I was really relaxed. The 1st was after about 10 frustrating months of trying and I finally said "ok, we have two months and then I can get tested. Let's just go on vacation and think about it afterwards". Well, that last time before we left did the trick.

Good luck.

Melanie

Congratulations on deciding to start a family!

Everyone's body is different so for some, it may take a couple of months while others it may take up to a year. I'm almost certain I remember my doctor telling me that after being on birth control for awhile, it could take up to a year to conceive. I understand that you are anxious and want things to happen immediately - give it time! Everything happens for a reason.

Just a side note: remember, they now recommend that you begin taking prenatal vitamins actually before you have even conceived.

Good luck with everything!
C.

I have researched this and being on the Birth control pill one month or 15 years does not make it more difficult for you to conceive. If you are not, try using an ovulation kit that you can buy at any pharmacy. It tells you when you will be ovulating - I did it for both children and was pregnant by the 3rd try.

I completely agree with Tracey Z. Taking Charge of Your Fertility is the most comprehensive and easily understood book for achieving pregnancy. Here is a link to it on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Taking-Charge-Your-Fertility-Annive...

Good Luck!

Hey A.,

I was on birth control for 5 years and then I stopped taking it because I didn't think pumping my body full of hormones was a good idea. Anyways, it takes a while for your body to relearn how to function on its own. Obviously it depends on the person, but sometimes it can take a couple of years to conceive.

One of the other ladies gave very sound advice: you need to make sure that your body is ready. Get a check up, see your OB and start taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid, since once you get pregnant your baby will deplate your own supply. Doctors recommend to take prenatals 3 months prior to conception so you can build up reserves.

Also the obvious: quit smoking if you're a smoker, get some exercise, since a a healty body is important for pregnancy. Think of it as a vessel ready to embark on a journey. It needs to be inspected and in perfect shape to withstand the ups and downs!

when your body is ready, you will get pregnant. One of my friends got pregnant too early after stopping the pill (3 months) and unfortunately she had a miscarriage because her body was not ready for pregnancy. It was a traumatic experience for her that I wish she never had to go through. All that to say this: even though you are eager to get pregnant, remember that your goal as a future mom is ensure your child is safe. It starts with how well you take care of yourself pre and during your pregnancy. Hope this helps.

Of course, ask your doctor, but I don't think it has anything to do with birth control. I took it for a long time also and every time I've gone off of it I have IMMEDIATELY become pregnant. I'm not trying to rub that in, I hope you are successful soon, but I don't think you should be hard on yourself for using birth control, because that's probably not it.

I was on the pill for around 7 years. It took me 2 years after getting off the pill to get pregnant, that pregnancy ended in miscarriage, and my husband and I finally went to see a fertility specialist. We did 3 rounds of IUI and I got pregnant with twins. They are now 19 months old.
The doctor never found a cause of infertility, but I partially blame it on the pill. I would go see your doctor; and like some of the other women said, stress is a factor, so try not to think about it (I know...how can you NOT think about it?!) Good luck!

Go talk to your doctor whenever you want to or to ask questions. Don't feel like you have to wait a certain length of time before talking to you doctor. And, if your doctor isn't supportive, find another. I was on the pill about 10 years and went off to get pregnant. It ended up taking 8 years and invitro the first time. (twins!!) Then we had an "if it happens it happens" baby. But, I don't believe that if you just relax or if YOU would only ____ it will work. It's not your fault. Just get educated and do what you have to do to feel ok with your efferts. Maybe it will happen next month for you because it does. But, maybe not. Just don't let yourself be told it's your fault or God's fault or youre feelings aren't valid or whatever!

start taking in lots of folic acid which means green foods and vegtables. take a prenatal vitamin and make sure it contains folic acid and iron. then do your normal route do try because then you won't get pregnant trust me. i tried for two years and then nothing and bam i got pregnant as soon as we quite trying. also track you periods and ovulation. there is curtain days you will want to try verus other also buy a basal theromemter you can get them at walmart. it will tell you when your body is ready. they is temperatures that are just right to concieve. also talk to you obgyn about becoming pregnant make sure everything is ok with your body. then go to you primary provider and have a physcial to make sure you other body parts and organs can take the stress of a baby. should you need more infromation fill free to contact me. T.

I know how you feel. I am 37 years old and have been on the pill since I was 19. We are trying right now and I have had no luck. I have heard from some other ladies that it takes 1 year for the pill to be completely out of your system. So, I would just keep trying. I also heard when you don't think about it and just do it. That is when you will end up pregnant. Good luck!!

I was on BC for 14 yrs and went off 2 mo before we got pg(planned, actually trying the 2nd month)- I think there are loads of reasons that may point to not conceiving immediately-- I"d suggest the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility- you can get it on Amazon or any bookstore...great info all around! If you haven't had a checkup, I'd suggest that just to make sure everything is on track- I had good luck with Ovulation Kits vs the temp method, but know people who went both ways. The book is awesome and should answer lots of questions without dishing out loads of cash at the Dr until you know for sure there is a problem to deal with! Good Luck!

I was on bc just as long, if not a little longer and I took myself off of it 6 months before we started trying. We were able to conceive without any problems. I do think it takes awhile to get your hormones back into shape though. I charted my start each month and found that after a few months I was pretty regular again, but my cycle was changing up until the last 2 months of being off of it. I think the standard is after a year you should go and check if there are any other problems.

Sorry you are going through this.

I was on the pill for at least 10 years too, and got pregnant within two months of going off. I would say just keep trying, but don't obsess with it. I know a friend that every time they had sex she was so nervous about hopefully being pregnant that nothing was happening. Once she relaxed she was pregnant right away. I bet it will happen and if not there are so many things you can try to conceive naturally. Acupuncture, natural progesterone creams, etc. Good luck and I am sure soon you will be asking pregnancy questions!

I have 2 older children (I am 37), and had been on the pill for 9 yrs since. I am an RN and deal with mother baby. I am familiar with the different methods to tell when you are ovulating etc. Well,when I was just following the 'signs' my body was giving, I wasn't getting preggo. Very strange for me - since we had never had to try before.
Finally bought an ovulation predictor kit, and was surprised to see I was actually ovulating much later in the cycle. First round of using the kit and we got pregnant! My cycles would vary from 24 - 32 days....so give it some time for your cycles to settle back. The average was about 25 days I think.
My guess is you aren't ovulating when you think you are as you have had a few cycles where you were 'late'.
Starting prenatal pills now is a great idea, as well as exercising and eating healthy. If you haven't had a lot of 'female' problems prior, my guess is its just going to take a little longer for things to settle.
I'd try the ovulation kit, it is worth the money, and you can see when you are more likely to be ovulating. I found that I usually ovulated around day 16 or 17 of my cycle...not the 14th day they like to say. The every other day method for 'practicing' is a great way to go too! You are still young and at the best age to be trying! Hang in there, try not to stress too much yet.
Try using a kit for a month or 2, and if you aren't finding the days you are having the hormone surge, notify the doctor. That way you are more prepared, vs. them telling you to give it more time.
Good luck!

Talk to your OB. Since you were on bc for a while, your body is used to a certain amount of hormones on a regular basis. your body is trying to correct this on it's own and sometimes still needs a little help.
I have heard there is such a thing as trying too much. I'm sure your husband won't like this too much, but it is what i've heard.
Good luck!

A.,

Don't worry just give your body time to get rid of the pill. I know that sounds odd but I did the same thing. I was on them for quite some time and we wanted to extend our family.

I was off the pill for 11 months before I finally conceived. I know that it gets to be heart breaking because you want a child but don't give up...just give it time.

Best wishes to you,
V. D.

I'm so sorry you are going through that. Doesn't it just seem forever? And your friends only try one or two months and Wham, they get prego right away. I know how that feels. I didn't go through it for too long but it just seemed FOREVER. For our first child, it took over 8 months to get pregnant. Not too long, but long enough. I ended up getting the ovulation tester. I think that helped. Anyway, don't think there is a problem because you'd have to try for over a year to think of looking into that. Just keep trying, maybe do a little praying, and get that ovulation tester! I am now a mother of Four!
God Bless and keep me posted.
C. R.

A.,
I recommend the book, "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" by Toni Weschler. If you haven't seen you OB/GYN, I would recommend that as well. She/he can run some simple blood tests to check hormonal levels, etc and get you on the right track to becoming a Mommy. good luck

I had a similiar issue and it took us several months to get pregnant. Going off b.c., especially after being on it for several years, can take awhile for your cycle to regulate. Hang in there and just keep trying. I know when you're ready, you're ready and you want it to happen now and 30 days seems like an eternity! I wouldn't worry yet. It can take an average couple up to a year to conceive. Just keep having fun trying! It will happen! Good luck!

Good Morning A., Patience, Patience is the key here. I am 56 now and took BC pills also for maybe 3 years before getting married, then another 2 yrs. I needed regular cycles and less cramping and blood clots.
We decided to try for our family, and it took about a year before we became preggers.
Of course we tried the temp thing, and keeping track of my cycles but after stopping the BC my cycles went haywire again. So we just did the ( as hubby said ) Practice Practice Practice method as he said Practice makes Perfect. :))
I was 23 when our first son was born and 25 when our youngest son came along. Stress A. can also cause your cycles to change. So relax dearheart, throw out the planned times and just practice alot :)

God Bless
K. Nana of 5

Dear A.,
If you are feeling worried, I'd go and see your doctor and see if they can do a few checks. I really don't think that the problem is the length of time you were on birth control...people can be on it for decades and still get pregnant, and some people get pregnant while on the pill. Check in with your doctor and she might have some advice for you and/or your husband. Good luck!

Hi A.,
Just wanted to say that I was on the pill for 11 years and when my husband and I decided to start trying, I got pregnant a week and a half later. (a bit surprised quite honestly)
Used the pill again until we decided to try for a second 3 years later. Same thing...only took a week and a half!
Of course everyone's different, but I wouldn't say the pill hindered our efforts.
Best of luck to you!

Being on the pill does not hurt trying to conceive later. It actually saves up eggs as you are not ovulating while on the pill. Don't panic, you are very young and have lots of time. Give it a year and then if you still aren't pregnant, discuss it with your OB. It took me 2 yrs to get pregnant with my 1st and then 1 month with the second.

I had the same worries, when I was trying to have a baby and now I have two. I took me 14 months to conceive my 1st son and I had also been on birth control. I think it just may take some time for your body to get back into a normal cycle and your uterus healthy enough to support implantation. Even if it takes a while the 1st time does not mean it will then next time. I had my 2nd child (daughter) 18 months after my son. Surprise! Give it some time and try not to think about it so much, it will happen! Good Luck!

I was on birth control for over 20 years before I had my first kid at 31 yo. It did take awhile, about a year. I went back on for a few years and then went off and conceived "quicker" for my second at age 36.

Be patient and just keep doing what you're doing!

I refuse to take birthcontrol i'm 28 yrs old now with 2 kids and one on the way.I choose not to use any due to what you are talking about harder to get pregnant.I belive it can make a person infertile whether or not that is true I have just heard so many times that after a woman is off the bc it is hard to become pregnant.One relative had to under go invitro for her daughter she was on bc for several years.I don't kow her entire story.Good luck keep track of ovulation days and have sex every other day during that time.You can always see your Gyno to do a fertility check.

I took the pill for 14 years straight and have been pregnant three times. Keep your hopes up!!

Hello. I just wanted to chime in to say--don't blame the pill. I was also on the pill more than a decade and got pregnant within 2 months of going off of it. I think it's more to do with timing and you and your husband's health, etc. (I've read several things about the fertility diet--you might want to look into it--low amts of processed foods and lots of high fiber, veggies, low saturated fats and more good unsaturated fats) I agree to give it more time and try not to pressure yourselves.

I'm 32 and just had my first--you're young and have plenty of time. ;) Good luck and enjoy the ride!

Obviously, we are all different, but I was on the pill for 10 years and I was off it for about 8-9 months I think when I got pregnant with my son. We had only been trying for about 5-6 months if I remember right. I wanted to get everything out of my system (I was on other medications as well) before we tried. Good luck!

Hi A.,
You might want to try Maca Maca from the Herbal Healer website. See the testimonials. They have very good products, and Dr. Mc Cain ND, only carries quality, herbs and products.
http://www.herbalhealer.com
K.

Being on birth control long term does cause infertility or fertility issues in some women. Also, the average rate of conception with a couple living together is 1 yr. That means it takes most couples 1 yr. of actively trying to get pregnant. Also, long term use of birth control can cause cysts on your ovaries. If you have a cyst on your ovaries, it will impair conception sometimes too.

Hi A.,
I waz on the pill for 8 yr's,now I'm 28.My husband and I talked about starting a family last yr.I also waz kind of worried how long it waz goin to take me to conceive.It only took me 2 month's to get pregnant.I waz off the pill 2 month's before then.My son waz born May21st/2008,now he's 2 month's old.
Everyone is different,it just take's some time.It may take some girlz longer or maybe a couple of month's.Just hang in there and don't stress out,your time will come!

I was on the pill from the age of 17-30 and came off the pill on my own. Years later I got pregnant. I think it varies with every person. I know this is gonna be easier said than done but you need to relax and not think about getting pregnant just enjoy each other and it will happen. You can stress yourself out by wanting it so badly that it wont happen. I know because once I met the (ONE) My hubby now, I did the same thing and was so wanting to be a MOM that it wasnt happening, well one day I just said OUT LOUD, that if it happens it will happen, if I am meant to be a MOM, I will be. So about a month later I was pregnant.

It could take up to a year for the Pill to be completely out of your system. I know it's hard to be patient when all you want is to be pregnant, but enjoy "practicing" for now! You're young and, I assume, healthy in all other aspects. Give it a full year and then consult your doctor if you're still not pregnant. Good luck!

I also was on birth control for about 10 years too. When my husband and I decided it was time to have a baby it took about 4 months. After three months of keeping track of everything I tried to loose track after that and ended up pregnant. I would say for a few months just have fun trying and enjoying each other for now and make up for when it will be harder with the kids around! Good luck, relax, and enjoy each other!

Depending on the type of BC you were on some have different time limits for leaving your system. So are gone as fast as you stop taking them but others take a few months to even get out. Check with your OB in regards to the one you were on. I know that some build up over time, but always remember to enjoy trying! Don't stress out or it only makes it harder to conceive!

Hi A....

I know you're frustrated and I'm sure you've heard all kinds of advice. I too was on the pill for 10 years and didn't have trouble, so I would hesitate to think that is the culprit. My only advice is to "TRY" every other day. You say you know when you're ovulating but you may be off, so add about a week to the front of when you think it is and go for it every other day (at about the same time each day, if possible) until the end of your cycle and you just may have success! If you're still worried, talk to your doc, there's absolutely nothing wrong with that!

I, too, had taken birth control for over 10 years when my husband and I decided to start trying to conceive. It took us right at 6-7 months after me going off of the pill to be able to conceive. One thing I would recommend, if you haven't tried already, is to buy an ovulation kit. It is simple and let's you know the best times to try.

Good luck and don't give up!

I really don't think it was the pill. I was on it for at least 7-8 years and was pregnant within two months of stopping it. I would relax about it. The more you stress, the harder it is on your body and the harder it is to conceive. Good luck!

I was on the pill for about 16 years, stopped taking it in January and was pregnant in June. I know it's hard to do, but I would just stop thinking about it. I think when you obsess about it, it takes longer. Just relax and have fun trying.