AboutAllison Expertise I can answer questions on birth control including how they work, the pros and cons of different methods, why you might choose one over the other, how to correct mistakes you may have made in using the device and more. As well, I can help with general knowledge on STIs, symptoms, incubation, transmission, and treatment.
Experience I have experience in birth control and sexual health education counselling since 2003. I have worked with two affiliates of the International Planned Parenthood Federation and have been extensively trained by them. As well, I have a Masters in Applied Science (Sexual Health).
I recently stopped taking birth control because I thought it was making me
break out and I heard a lot about how it's bad for your and screws up your
system. Now that I'm off the pill, I'm breaking out like crazy (my skin was
clear on the pill). Is this a symptom of going off the pill? More importantly, if I
JUST went off the pill and want to go back on it, is it safe for me to go back
on it right away? If so, how would I go about doing this - should I wait until I
have my next period? Lastly, how bad is the pill for you? Obviously, it's best if
you don't have any synthetic hormones in your system, but one of the
reasons I went off the pill was to cleanse my system. Thank you for your help
and information. I really appreciate you taking the time to advise me what to
do.
Best Regards,
Heather
Answer Dear Heather,
You have several questions so I will start with the first about your skin. Because there are many different forms of the pill with many different combinations of hormones they will all affect your skin differently, however, many pills actually have a positive effect on skin and some are even prescribed to help people with acne problems. It is best to ask your doctor about this and she will make sure you have one that suits you. As such, breaking out is not a symptom of going off the pill but rather is your body's natural state and being on the pill was probably helping to control break outs.
Secondly, in regards to going back on the pill, it does not matter when or how you do this so long as you are aware of the effects of the pill as a method of birth control. If the new pill pack is begun on the first day of your period then it will be effective immediately, if you start it at any other time it takes 7 days to take effect. As such, you can start the new pill pack again at any time but will need to use a back-up method of birth control (such as condoms) for 7 days before the pill can be used alone as a birth control method.
Finally, you ask how bad is the pill. A lot of this answer will depend on your medical history, but in general the pill is not bad for you. Many studies have been done and the pill is perfectly safe to take so long as you don't have any conflicting health problems. Some things that make the pill less safe are being a smoker, over 35 years of age, or having a tendency for heart/blood pressure problems. Most of the side-effects of the pill (such as emotional instability or headaches) go away within three months of beginning the pill as your body adjusts to it. If you do have these symptoms for longer talk to your doctor as you may want to try one of the other pill options. Some of the benefits of the pill include decreased risk of ovarian and uterine cancer, fewer ectopic pregnancies, and it may protect against osteoperosis, endometreosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. A lot of the myth about the pill not being good for you is left over from the early days when the pill was new and not yet perfected, however, over the last 50 years many advancements have been made.
All of this being said, it is up to you whether or not you are comfortable using a hormonal method of birth control. There are other options available and you should make an informed choiced based on what works for you.
Check out this website for more information and talk to your doctor.
