I took the pill for years but was advised to stop when I hit 40. I must admit it's great not to have to remember pills everyday, and no periods anymore either. I had pain on the first day of insertion but nothing after that, so I guess I was one of the lucky ones. But I do think it was one of the reasons for me gaining weight this year, though. I here it can take 6 to 12 months for your body to fully adjust, so I'm almost there!