Safely Stopping Mili Birth Control Pills - Effects and Transition Tips

Understanding Mili Birth Control

Mili is a popular brand of birth control pill designed to prevent pregnancy. It contains a combination of synthetic forms of the hormones estrogen and progestin which work to inhibit ovulation and thicken cervical mucous to prevent sperm from reaching the egg.

How Mili Birth Control Works

Mili contains two key active ingredients: desogestrel and ethinyl estradiol. Desogestrel is the progestin component while ethinyl estradiol is the estrogen.

These hormones work in several ways: they suppress the body's natural cyclical hormones to prevent ovulation, they thicken the mucus around the cervix which blocks sperm from getting into the uterus, and they may also prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg by altering the mobility and structure of the sperm itself.

Effectiveness of Mili

When taken correctly, Mili is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. However, typical use rates may be closer to 91% due to inconsistent usage such as missed pills.

Mili does not protect against sexually transmitted infections or HIV. Condoms should be used for STI protection.

How to Take Mili

Mili comes in pill packs containing 21 active hormone pills. All 21 pills should be taken according to the instructions, one per day for 21 days straight. After finishing a pack, users take a 7 day break before starting a new pack.

It's important to take the pills around the same time every day and not miss any for the best contraceptive coverage. Mili should be taken with food and a full glass of water if possible.

When to Stop Taking Mili

There are a few circumstances in which you may decide to stop taking Mili birth control pills:

Planned Pregnancy

If you are looking to get pregnant, you will need to stop taking Mili. Many women are able to get pregnant within just 1-2 cycles after discontinuing the pill.

It's generally recommended to stop taking Mili at the end of an active pill pack rather than mid-pack. This allows your natural hormonal cycle to get back on track more smoothly.

Side Effects

In some cases, women may experience unwelcome side effects from Mili that lead them to quit usage. This includes symptoms like nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, or mood changes.

Stopping the pills leads to a relatively fast clearing of the side effects for most women as the synthetic hormones wash out of their system.

Medical Reasons

Rarely, some medical situation may emerge where continuing to take Mili would be unsafe or interact poorly with other medications. Examples could include developing high blood pressure, migraines, blood clots, or other cardiovascular risks.

It's essential to consult with your doctor if considering stopping Mili for a medical reason to discuss the best transition plan for your situation.

The Effects of Stopping Mili

When transitioning off of Mili, it helps to know what to expect as your body adjusts to being off of synthetic hormones.

Changes in Menstrual Cycle

The most obvious effect when quitting Mili will likely be changes is your menstrual bleeding patterns as your natural hormone production resumes. It make take 1-3 months for regular, ovulatory cycles to fully resume.

Some common effects include irregular bleeding between expected periods, spotting, prolonged cycles, or even absent bleeding initially. These fluctuating hormone levels may also cause symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and breast tenderness but typically stabilize over time.

Fertility Return

Restoration of normal reproductive function after quitting hormonal birth control varies significantly among women. Many ovulate and can get pregnant right away. For others, it may take several months for ovulation to fully return.

If your cycles have not regulated after 6 months, check in with your healthcare provider about other causes potentially impacting fertility.

Acne Changes

For women taking Mili to help manage acne, the improvements in skin may start reversing once off of the steady hormones. An increase in acne 3-6 months after quitting is common. Managing with over-the-counter washes, spot treatments, and lifestyle changes can help.

Making the Transition Safely

Following some best practices can help make coming off of Mili smooth and successful:

Use Backup Birth Control

If you are sexually active, be sure to use non-hormonal backup contraception like condoms or abstain from sex for at least 1 full cycle after stopping Mili. This gives the body adequate time to transition and prevents unexpected pregnancy.

Watch for Serious Warning Signs

In extremely rare cases, complications like blood clots, stroke, or liver problems can emerge when transitioning off hormonal birth control. If you develop severe abdominal pain, chest pain, sudden severe headache, vision problems, or jaundice, seek prompt medical care.

Give Your Body Time to Adjust

It may take several months for your cycles, fertility, and hormone levels to regulate after quitting Mili. Have patience with your body and discuss any significant or persistent issues with your healthcare team.

FAQs

How soon after stopping Mili can I get pregnant?

Many women are able to get pregnant within 1-2 cycles after quitting Mili. However, it may take longer for some women depending on factors like age and how long Mili had been taken.

Will my periods be regular right away?

It often takes 1-3 months after discontinuing Mili for menstrual cycles to fully regulate. Some common effects include irregular bleeding, spotting, prolonged cycles, or even initial absent periods as the body adjusts.

Should I taper off Mili or stop cold turkey?

It is generally best to take the full active pill pack when quitting rather than stopping mid-pack. Skipping pills or tampering with dosages can lead to unintended pregnancy or fluctuating hormone levels.

What if my acne gets worse after quitting Mili?

An increase in breakouts a few months after stopping is common since Mili helps control acne. Over-the-counter washes, spot treatments, lifestyle changes, and speaking to your dermatologist can help manage post-Mili acne.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.