While I'm updating on life I figured I'd give an IUD update for interested parties. For all others, you've been warned and can read or move along elsewhere. In fact, I've put this in white font. To read, highlight the text.

I've been off the pill now for a little over 3 months and still like it. The biggest change is that I"m not nearly as dried out as I was. I'm oily in the T-zone for the first time in well over a decade and I now have to deal with zits in a way I didn't have to before. The rest of my skin is also less dry - legs, arms, etc - as are my mucus membranes. My contacts feel better, although that may also be being in a more humid climate. I had my first cycle after 2.5 months and no idea when the next one is going to come. The period was heavier and lasted 5 days, but not that much heavier than it has been on my last BCP (I was not on one of the pills that made your period stop). Definitely sloshier and a little bit crampy on the fist day (maybe level 1-2 on a scale of 1-10) but really not bad and nothing advil didn't fix. And as far as the periods go, using this nifty little thing makes them much less of a a hassle. One of the biggest differences I feel is that my libido is higher and b/c I'm less dried out inside and out, my body responds better and faster. All in all, a world of good.

My overall assessment: I'm only one period in to this, but so far I still love it and am very happy I switched off the BCP. I love not having to remember to take something every day and the reduced stress and worry about forgetting a pill. I'm still trying to figure out my skin, but I will happily put up with extra oiliness in the T-zone and a few zits for replenished moisture elsewhere. I didn't even realize this was a problem until I got off the pill. The strings haven't given me any problems - keep them long and tuck them out of the way. The pill was great for me when I went on it at 17, but I wished I had switched to the IUD earlier (mid to late 20s). Even if I only keep it in for 1-2 years, it was absolutely worth the investment and I will continue to use and IUD until L and are are past the child bearing period and more permanent measures are an option (you can have the copper IUD inserted when breast feeding).