Benefits & Potential Side Effects of Going Off Birth Control

Thinking about going off hormonal birth control, like the pill or an IUD? Find out how to stop birth control, potential side effects, and when to see a doctor.
About five years ago, I decided to stop taking the hormonal birth control I’d been on for a decade. I’d taken many different pills — from Ortho Tri-Cyclen to Apri (which I dubbed the “monster pill” for my mood swings) and finally to Tri-Sprintec. I’d done my fair share of experimentation and I wanted to know: What does my body feel like on its own, without the birth control? How’s my mood? My sex drive? What’s my period like? My cramps?

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