QuestionHi, I came off the birth control pill (28 day) about a month and a half ago and have been having unprotected sex (trying to get pregnant). My first period was late and barely anything. This past week I experienced extreme cramping for about 1/2 hr. during the night. I was concerned so I called my doctor's office and spoke with the nurse practitioner. She said the pain could be because my body is adjusting to producing the hormones that the pill has given my body for the last 8 years, or it could also be because I was ovulating. I experienced the same horrible cramp immediately after sex last night. I have also had sore breasts on and off since coming off the pill, and periodic light cramping, which my nurse also assures me is normal. I don't feel "normal" - this is just really frustrating. Is my body just adjusting to the pill? Why would I be getting these horrible cramps right after sex or in the middle of the night? The cramps really concern me.
AnswerHi Krista,
Yes, your body is adjusting to being off the pill. The sore breasts and light cramping are most likely due to that. The more painful cramping may also be due to that as well. Adjusting to being off the pill usually takes 1-3 months and it is generally recommended that women wait to see if things get better (as long as the side effects are not too bad.) Did you get very painful cramps before going on the pill?
The cramping after sex could be due to the sex itself. If this happens on occasion it shouldn't be a concern, but pain that frequently occurs after sex should be checked out.
Even though this generally sounds like adjustment to being off the pill, I think that if what you feel is not "normal", you should contact your doctor for an appointment. We know our own bodies best and know when something seems off for us. Also, if the cramps are extremely painful, the doctor may be able to help relieve that while you adjust.
I hope this helps. If you have further questions, let me know.
-Mia
