When I went off the pill, it took about two months after my last pack to get my next period, and it was a doozy. I was used to light flow, no cramps, and no fatigue. The cramps were so bad I stayed in bed all day the first day of my cycle. The next month wasn't so bad though.
As for condoms...we used the rhythm method and withdrawal instead because condoms irritate my skin...6 years and one kid later, I wouldn't advise it as birth control
I now have an IUD and love it.