TTC after 8yrs of constant hormones contraceptives

Hi everyone!

I'm a new member to BellyBelly, and would like to know the experiences of others who have gone off BCP Levlen ED and how long it took to conceive.

Firstly, some general info about myself:

24yo TTC #1 with DF. Been on Levlen ED since I was 17yrs old, skipping inactive pills. This was purely to prevent my period and any 'surprises' (in fact the 'surprise' that I'm trying to achieve now, how ironic).

I had a hydatidiform molar pregnancy when I was 16yo (with now DF), then started using Depo-Provera as recommended by my doctor. About a year after this I started using Levlen ED due to the horrible side effects of Depo. I always skipped the inactives because I was absolutely terrified about going through that ordeal again. My DF is worried that this may have an effect on infertility, and I am too, both the hydatidiform mole and the pill.

After a long conversation with DF, we decided to TTC or more or less 'wait and see', because I wasn't sure about what effects all the contraceptives had on my body considering I haven't had a true AF for about 8 years. My cycle prior to contraceptives was perfect every month. In fact, my cycle was absolutely in sync with my mother's.

The last pill I took was on March 13. Initial bleed March 16 (CD1) to CD3 (Light - medium). I started charting on Fertility Friend app so I can see how my cycles are progressing. I am not taking BBT atm, but I was observing external CM. The chart did not detect ovulation per se, but it 'thinks' I ovulated between CD14 and CD16 based on my CM pattern. I think so too, because I had pelvic twinges around that time, though I could have mentally caused them lol.

Now is both CD 27 and CD1. First 'true AF' I think, its only 6:3Oam and I woke up with bleeding, so I just have to wait and see if this AF is normal, but still not sure if I ovulated last cycle. I forgot how much AF hurts. After not experiencing it for so long, its almost unbearable and 'yucky' lol.

I would like to know about any similar experiences and help me shed some light on this again, new phenomenon to me - the Period.

Thanks all,
Aimee

Hi Aimee!

Welcome to bellybelly, I am sure you will find lots of answers and support on here.

I was on bcp for 8 years and like you skipped the placebo pills more often than not. When I stopped I fell pregnant that first cycle which resulted in a mc at 7 weeks. I then fell pregnant again the next cycle with my DS.

Come and join us in the TTC 1-6 months forum, I am on my phone so cannot link but we have an awesome group of ladies that cycle together and examine symptoms and provide the much needed support.

Where can I find this TTC 1-6 forum?

Sorry for your loss. This is what I was worried about if I fell pregnant in my first cycle. I was sure that if did, my uterus lining would not have developed enough, or that my hormones would not have been self-regulated to sustain pregnancy. I did start taking Swiss Pregnancy +Ultivite once I got off the pill.

Now that my AF has started, I am more optimistic about getting pregnant and happy that it came just short off 28 days. I just have to see what the next AF has in store, or better yet BFP.

I'm glad I started TTC now at 24yo, in case I need a plan B and some help TTC. Hopefully not, my mother never had trouble and we have a big family on both my parents side.

Baby dust to all.

It's under the same umbrella forum as where you posted this, just under TTC buddies. If you can't find it head to the today's posts page, should be a tab at the top of your page and you will always find it there as people post in all the time.

Hi MA, Prior to conceiving my DD1 I had been on OCP for approximately 10 years. I sometimes skipped the inactive pills and other times I took them as I felt like I 'needed' to have a period. I was actually still taking the OCP when I discovered that I was pg, so fair to say that the long term use had no effect on my fertility! I took the OCP again after having DD1 as we always planned more children, so I figured if it failed again it would be ok. After taking it for about 18 months we decided to start TTC baby number two. I stopped taking the pill and fell pg the next month with my DS. I started on the OCP after DS was born, but never felt very confident in its effectiveness after falling pg with DD! As we weren't sure whether we would have more children, I decided to have a Mirena IUD inserted. Terrible mistake, but that's for another thread! I had the Mirena for about 2 years. I had the Mirena removed and fell pg with DD2 in my third cycle. Again, long term use of hormonal contraceptives seem to have had no effect on my fertility.

Good luck TTC, I hope you don't have to wait long!

Hi! And welcome to BB!

Just a quick one as I have two girls demanding my attention.

I was on the same contraception as you (although didn't skip periods) for 10 years before wanting to TTC. I thought it would take ages to get out my system. I got UTD first cycle! Unfortunately that ended in a MC. Two months later we were pregnant with DD1. I went back on contraception after having her and two months after coming off we were UTD again with DD2. So it can happen quickly (although I've heard of many others who take ages for their cycles to get back on track). I hope it's quick for you!

Thanks great to hear! I am feeling optimistic, and I know I shouldn't be too expecting to avoid disappointment, but like most others, I just can't help it!

Hopefully, like you, my body will adjust perfectly after bcp. This 2nd cycle is going to be the one I monitor very closely after my first AF is finished. It is ironic how excited I am that I have AF right now.

First AF now at CD27/CD1 is looking promising for a 'normal' cycle

Women are a complicated species.

Baby Dust Everywhere!

Hi and welcome. I was on bcp for 15 years when I first stopped to TTC at 33. I was off the pill for 1 cycle and conceived DD1 in that cycle. Apparently there can be a fertility spike in that first cycle off the pill :dunno: I was like you though and had very regular cycles before going on the pill and also skipped the sugar pills. It didn't seem to affect my fertility at all.