Understanding How to Stop Vestura Birth Control Pills Safely

Understanding Vestura Birth Control

Vestura is a popular brand of daily birth control pill that contains a combination of progestin and estrogen hormones. It is a low dose hormonal contraceptive taken orally to prevent pregnancy. Vestura, also known by its generic name drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol, works by stopping ovulation and thickening cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching an egg.

How Vestura Birth Control Works

Vestura contains two synthetic hormones - drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol. Here is how they work together to prevent pregnancy:

• Drospirenone - A progestin that stops the body from ovulating by suppressing the luteinizing hormone (LH). This prevents the release of an egg from the ovaries.
• Ethinyl estradiol - An estrogen that thickens the mucus around the cervix. This makes it difficult for sperm to penetrate and reach an egg.

By stopping ovulation and thickening cervical mucus, Vestura effectively prevents sperm from fertilizing an egg. It needs to be taken daily at around the same time each day to maintain these contraceptive effects.

Effectiveness of Vestura

With perfect use, Vestura is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. However, with typical use, it is around 91% effective. This means around 9 out of 100 women using Vestura as their contraceptive method may get pregnant in a year.

Some things that can decrease Vestura's effectiveness include:

• Missing pills
• Not taking it at the same time every day
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Taking certain medications like antibiotics

It's important to take Vestura properly to get maximum protection against pregnancy. Using a backup method like condoms is recommended if you miss pills.

Benefits of Vestura

Some benefits of using Vestura include:

• Highly effective when used perfectly
• Light, predictable periods
• May reduce premenstrual symptoms
• Improves acne for some women
• Low dose of hormones

The combination of progestin and estrogen in Vestura can help provide excellent pregnancy prevention. It also leads to more regular, lighter periods compared to methods like progestin-only pills. Some women taking Vestura report shorter, less painful menstruation.

Possible Side Effects

While Vestura is generally well-tolerated, some potential side effects may include:

• Nausea
• Breast tenderness
• Headaches
• Spotting between periods
• Mood changes

These symptoms often resolve within the first 3 months as your body adjusts. If side effects persist, talk to your doctor about other contraceptive options.

Stopping Vestura Birth Control

There are many reasons women may decide to stop taking birth control pills like Vestura. This could include wanting to get pregnant, experiencing side effects, or no longer needing contraception. Here is what to expect when stopping Vestura.

How to Stop Taking Vestura

It is generally recommended to finish all active pills in your current pack before stopping. This helps avoid issues like irregular bleeding or spotting. Here are some tips for safely transitioning off Vestura:

• Consult your doctor first if possible. They can provide guidance tailored to your situation.
• Finish the active pills in your pack before stopping. Throw away any remaining placebo pills.
• Consider using a backup birth control method for 7 days after stopping.
• You may have irregular bleeding initially. Your cycles should regulate within 1-3 months.
• If you don't get your period back after 60 days, take a pregnancy test.

Having a plan ahead of time makes transitioning off Vestura smoother. This reduces the chances of unintended side effects or pregnancy.

Effects of Stopping Vestura

When you stop taking Vestura, here are some things you may experience:

• Changes in bleeding patterns - You may have irregular spotting or bleeding at first as your body adjusts to the hormonal changes.
• Pregnancy protection stops - You can get pregnant as soon as you stop taking Vestura, so use another contraceptive if you want to avoid pregnancy.
• Skin changes - Increased acne is possible as your hormones fluctuate after stopping Vestura.
• Mood changes - Some women report mood swings or changes in libido.

These effects are usually temporary as your hormone levels even out. Every woman responds differently when transitioning off hormonal birth control. Stay in touch with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

Return to Fertility After Vestura

One concern many women have when stopping birth control pills is how soon they can get pregnant afterwards. Here's what to expect:

• You can ovulate as early as 2 weeks after your last Vestura pill.
• Most women will ovulate again 3-4 weeks after stopping.
• Your menstrual cycle should return within 1-3 months for most women.
• Your cycles may be irregular at first. This is normal as your body adjusts.

There are no delays or long-term fertility effects from using Vestura or other combination birth control pills. You can ovulate and get pregnant right away. Breastfeeding and other factors may impact return to fertility for some women.

The Takeaway

Vestura is a safe, effective hormonal contraceptive when taken properly. Like all birth control pills, it works best with perfect use. Remember to take it on schedule and as directed.

When you decide to stop Vestura, finish the active pills in your pack first. Be prepared for some irregular bleeding initially. Use backup protection for a week to avoid pregnancy. Most women ovulate again within 1-3 months after discontinuing Vestura.

Talk to your doctor to discuss the right timing and plan for stopping Vestura. They can ensure a smooth transition with minimal side effects. Be alert for any signs of pregnancy and follow up with your provider if you don't get your period back within 2 months.

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.