I'm experiencing something completely unfamiliar to me, so I'm hoping some of you know more about this than I do. My first time on the pill was 6 years ago. So this is my first time coming off the pill. I was looking to clear my system of it, and TTC in a couple of months. So I set up my little calendar to mark periods and ovulation... And I miscalculated my week of ovulation, and had unprotected (withdrawl) a couple of times during what was actually my ovulation time. So now I'm paranoid. Really really paranoid, and I need to be talked down, seriously.

Logically I know there is no way I'm experiencing symptoms of pregnancy because we're talking like a handful of days past what *could* have been conception here. With my previous pregnancies, I knew before my period was late, but not at conception.

I have always been normal when it came to my cycles. There was nothing special about them. But now that I'm off the pill several symptoms are new and/or amplified so I'm kind of worried.

Did anyone experience bad cramping (bad enough to take Advil, but not bad enough to see a doctor) during or just after ovulation because of the absense of the pill? There are other symptoms I'm experiencing but they're kind of gross and I'm not willing to admit them in writing just yet. And the rest is psychological, meaning I've worried so much about them, I'm sure I created them from worry.

Now, I have not been on the pill for at least 7yrs now. But I do have "cramping" during ovulation. Well, it's not exactly cramping but each month I have a pain in my side (each month alternating sides). It's not bad enough to take meds for but does hurt and is annoying.

I haven't been on the pill for four years so my memory is a little bit sketchy. I don't remember for sure if I had cramping around ovulation, but my friend, who went off the pill about a year and a half ago, had all kinds of crazy symptoms her first month off - to the point where she took a pregnancy test (I think). She, of course, was not pregnant. I also want to say that cramping around the time of ovulation is not uncommon pill or no pill but I'm not positive (I'm definitely not a medical professional).

My husband and I did wait three months before trying to conceive after I went off the pill, because that is what we'd always heard you were supposed to do...but I know I've heard elsewhere that there's no real need to do that.

Oh, and I worried so much my first month trying to conceive (the first time around) that I pushed my cycle to 40 days for that month. That's how powerful an effect your mind can have on your body. So it is completely possible that some of your symptoms ARE just psychological.

Have you considered calling your OBGyn's office and explaining your symptoms to the doctor or a nurse to see if what you are experiencing is normal?

__________________
Stephanie
Mom to: Caleb (8/03), Ian (9/05), & Lucas (11/08)

I called the OB/GYN, and the conversation ended at "We don't take your insurance anymore" nice.

I'm still cramping, but not as bad. There's only a slim chance that I'm pregnant, so I will assume I'm not and quit worrying about it until it's either time to get my flo or to test if it doesn't come. Thanks for the responses, ladies! I appreciate it.

I can't help with the symptoms you're having, but I can say that my #1, #3, and #4 were all conceived in the 1st month OFF the pill...and are all perfectly healthy!! Good luck!!

__________________


-STACEY-

when i went off the pill it took awhile for my body to get used to not having those hormones so i did have cramps i did not have them since i was in highschool i think that is pretty normal. worry will also alter your cycle just like it does not help you when you are wanting to concieve. i would give it a little time for your body to adjust but if things get worse you might want to consult a dr.

__________________
SILENCE IS GOLDEN BUT DUCK TAPE IS SILVER.