Expert: Diane Cheryl - 10/29/2006

Question
Hello.  I am writing because I recently chose to intuitively discontinue the use of oral contraceptives after taking them for nine years.  I have heard that you do not begin ovulating again for a few months to a year after discontinuation if you have taken them for so long. So I am doing research on the internet to determine if I have a current need for an alternative birth control method. Most sites I have come to say that you can get pregnant with no delay even after extended use.  However, I came to your site and was very alarmed to read your response to another woman's questions stating it can be very difficult or even impossible to get pregnant after taking pills successively for many years.  I have had every intention of becoming a mother in this lifetime and having just graduated college and beginning my career, my partner and I have been discussing trying within the next year.  I also read some very alarming information about the detrimental psychological effects of birth control pills.  My questions for you are:
-  Where do you get your information?  Are there medical journals I can search to educate myself?
-  Do I need to be using a birth control method currently or is it safe to assume I am not going to ovulate for a few months?  And if I do need a birth control method, what do you recommend?
-  Is there a serious and real risk that I will not be able to bear children because of my extended use of birth control pills? And if so, where are you getting that infromation?

Thank you for your time.  Blessings to you!

Kricket

Answer
I emailed the below reply on Oct. 30 but haven't heard back. Did you receive the following email?
Diane Cheryl
DCHERYL51@ayahoo.com

Hi Kricket,
I will have to find the sources for my information but will be glad to do so if you will email me at DCHERYL51@yahoo.com
I'm not a medical doctor so please also consult your personal physician. I'm glad that you are going off your pill.
No, I can't guarantee that you would not ovulate for a few months. That is impossible to predict. The only methods I would recommend that are not hormonal or in my opinion dangerous, are condoms (not very effective) and Natural Family Planning. The other expert under the birth control category is a specialist in NFP. Her name is Ramona.
So email me if you want me to list the sources to you. I can send you several articles/websites.
Sincerely,
Diane Cheryl
DCHERYL51@yahoo.com