For the ladies only please:)

[Leleluvsdis]

Hey Ladies,

I need help! Dh and I are not wanting kids right now so I want to go back on BC. The reason I'm not currently is because about a year ago I got a blood clot in my leg. I had just started a new job that was 5 days a week for 8 1/2hours a day and I sat the entire time at a desk in front of a computer. This was the first job I had ever had where I just sat in front of a computer. Literally I was given 30mins for lunch and another misc 10 min break, and that's it. I hadn't been on BC at that time for a couple months b/c of financial reasons. My insurance will not cover BC unless medically neccessary, but anywhoo... what another story all in itself After my blood clot I was put on mini-pill and it was very expensive and I was bleeding at every 10 days to 2 weeks heavier than ever for 3-5 days at a time. I was completly miserable. I took it for 6 months then I had had enough especially since we had just moved, and were trying to save as much as possible with new bills and bigger bills.

So I guess my question is, would you take BC if you had had a blot clot before? I have thought about paragard or mirena, but mirena is VERY expensive (close to 900 actually). Paragard is about half the price, and has no hormones which I really like the sounds of that plus you can keep it for double the time if wanted. My only concern is I've heard more horror stories about paragard as far as cramping a bleeding more than I have mirena. For anyone who has been in my situation, or had mirena or paragard, what are your thoughts, if you don't mind me asking? I don't know of anyone that has had a blood clot to ask what they did or would do, nor to I know anyone with an IUD. Thanks for any help you are willing to give. It is GREATLY appreciated

 

[Mixie]

Never had a clot but that would be enough for me to stay away from hormonal BC of any kind.

Why can't DH take care of it? We've been using 'man protection' for years with no unwanted pregnancies. That way you stay off the drugs and still no kids.

 

[QVCshopper]

My mom had blood clots and so did my friend, who told me that she can't get the Mirena because it has hormones as well. Honestly, I would look into an IUD without hormones or possibly just go the route of the PP. I have been on the pill, but don't want to continue forever, especially as I get older since of my mom's history.

Have you talked to your OB or nurse there? Maybe there's another option youre not considering right now. Good luck!

I also recommend the book taking charge of your fertility. It has some great info whether you want a baby or not.

 

[shefrn1]

i absolutely would not take hormonal bc if i had a clot once already

i think you should look into other options

 

[Leleluvsdis]

Never had a clot but that would be enough for me to stay away from hormonal BC of any kind.

Why can't DH take care of it? We've been using 'man protection' for years with no unwanted pregnancies. That way you stay off the drugs and still no kids.

We do go that route, but I'm sensitive to latex, so it's not the most comfortable. (sorry if that's TMI)

My mom had blood clots and so did my friend, who told me that she can't get the Mirena because it has hormones as well. Honestly, I would look into an IUD without hormones or possibly just go the route of the PP. I have been on the pill, but don't want to continue forever, especially as I get older since of my mom's history.

Have you talked to your OB or nurse there? Maybe there's another option youre not considering right now. Good luck!

I couldn't get an appointment until middle of march (I know it's only 2 weeks away, but I made this appointment in December ugh) I have all intentions of discussing this in 2 weeks, but I just like have other peoples experiences to go on. I'm sure there are tons of people here who have much more experience and exposure to this type of situation than I do, and my dr it's very conversational if that makes since, but he is a fertility specialist, and because I had PCOS, my MD referred me to him. Although he does have awesome bedside manner. Always very pleasent, but he is a man, so he doesn't have first had experience KWIM???

 

[LuLuO]

I would not use hormonal BC if I had a history of blood clots. I too am sensitive to latex. Did you know that there are non-latex condoms? They are polyurethane. Until DH got the big V, we used the Trojan Supra Ultra Thin. They are more expensive than latex, but worth the cost if you are latex sensitive. Like PP said, you could look into a non-hormone IUD also. Also, the Today Sponge is back. I used it a long time ago. If you are not sensitive to spermicides, that may be a good option too, though it is not as effective as condoms I think (only about 90%).

 

[ccgirl]

Hey Ladies,

I need help! Dh and I are not wanting kids right now so I want to go back on BC. The reason I'm not currently is because about a year ago I got a blood clot in my leg. I had just started a new job that was 5 days a week for 8 1/2hours a day and I sat the entire time at a desk in front of a computer. This was the first job I had ever had where I just sat in front of a computer. Literally I was given 30mins for lunch and another misc 10 min break, and that's it. I hadn't been on BC at that time for a couple months b/c of financial reasons. My insurance will not cover BC unless medically neccessary, but anywhoo... what another story all in itself After my blood clot I was put on mini-pill and it was very expensive and I was bleeding at every 10 days to 2 weeks heavier than ever for 3-5 days at a time. I was completly miserable. I took it for 6 months then I had had enough especially since we had just moved, and were trying to save as much as possible with new bills and bigger bills.

So I guess my question is, would you take BC if you had had a blot clot before? I have thought about paragard or mirena, but mirena is VERY expensive (close to 900 actually). Paragard is about half the price, and has no hormones which I really like the sounds of that plus you can keep it for double the time if wanted. My only concern is I've heard more horror stories about paragard as far as cramping a bleeding more than I have mirena. For anyone who has been in my situation, or had mirena or paragard, what are your thoughts, if you don't mind me asking? I don't know of anyone that has had a blood clot to ask what they did or would do, nor to I know anyone with an IUD. Thanks for any help you are willing to give. It is GREATLY appreciated

I don't know if an MD would even put you on the pill if you have had a blood clot. After my DS3, I had the Paraguard. It was a nightmare. I got my period every two weeks and would have to wake up 2x in the night to take care of things (if you know what I mean). I had it in for a year. I did really try. Anyway, I just switched to the Mirena about 7 months ago and I LOVE it. I know a lot of people that don't get a period at all. I still get one but it is so much lighter and no cramping at all. I know $900 sounds like a lot but how much would 12 months of birth controls bill? A child would be a heck of a lot more than $900 too. Maybe they can work out a payment plan for you?? Good luck with your decision.

 

[*Seanaci*]

Why can't DH take care of it? We've been using 'man protection' for years with no unwanted pregnancies. That way you stay off the drugs and still no kids.

Ditto this.

We do go that route, but I'm sensitive to latex, so it's not the most comfortable. (sorry if that's TMI)



I couldn't get an appointment until middle of march (I know it's only 2 weeks away, but I made this appointment in December ugh) I have all intentions of discussing this in 2 weeks, but I just like have other peoples experiences to go on. I'm sure there are tons of people here who have much more experience and exposure to this type of situation than I do, and my dr it's very conversational if that makes since, but he is a fertility specialist, and because I had PCOS, my MD referred me to him. Although he does have awesome bedside manner. Always very pleasent, but he is a man, so he doesn't have first had experience KWIM???

He may be a man sweetie, but he is also a doctor...and I'm sure he is well educated in the area of birth control. Ask him what ALL of your options are as far as safe birth control goes...especially given that when you were on BC for a period of time you ended up with a blood clot in your leg.

Also, FWIW, I am on BC pills right now. And was told by my doctor to drink plenty of water, and get up and stretch the legs by walking and it would cut down on the risk for ablood clot. So far so good.

I would not use hormonal BC if I had a history of blood clots. I too am sensitive to latex. Did you know that there are non-latex condoms? They are polyurethane. Until DH got the big V, we used the Trojan Supra Ultra Thin. They are more expensive than latex, but worth the cost if you are latex sensitive. Like PP said, you could look into a non-hormone IUD also. Also, the Today Sponge is back. I used it a long time ago. If you are not sensitive to spermicides, that may be a good option too, though it is not as effective as condoms I think (only about 90%).

Ditto this about the condoms.

In the end, what you decide is what is important.

Good luck!

 

[*Seanaci*]

I don't know if an MD would even put you on the pill if you have had a blood clot. After my DS3, I had the Paraguard. It was a nightmare. I got my period every two weeks and would have to wake up 2x in the night to take care of things (if you know what I mean). I had it in for a year. I did really try. Anyway, I just switched to the Mirena about 7 months ago and I LOVE it. I know a lot of people that don't get a period at all. I still get one but it is so much lighter and no cramping at all. I know $900 sounds like a lot but how much would 12 months of birth controls bill? A child would be a heck of a lot more than $900 too. Maybe they can work out a payment plan for you?? Good luck with your decision.

Good suggestion on the payment plans for the Mirena!

 

[DisGirl819]

I would not want to be on hormonal BC after a clot! I have the Mirena right now, not sure if taht is an option for you either since it is hormonal. But yes, ask about all the BC methods you can use and then make a decision.

 

[chicagodisneyfan]

I had a blood clot about 18 months ago - and begged and pleaded to stay on the pill. NO doctor would let me.

But ALL of them recommended a Mirena - said the hormones present in it would not trigger another clot.

Inserted - no pain, no cramping and have not had a period in 18 months. I absolutely adore it. My insurance covered mine so I think I paid like $50 for five years worth of protection.

 

[Leleluvsdis]

I would not use hormonal BC if I had a history of blood clots. I too am sensitive to latex. Did you know that there are non-latex condoms? They are polyurethane. Until DH got the big V, we used the Trojan Supra Ultra Thin. They are more expensive than latex, but worth the cost if you are latex sensitive. Like PP said, you could look into a non-hormone IUD also. Also, the Today Sponge is back. I used it a long time ago. If you are not sensitive to spermicides, that may be a good option too, though it is not as effective as condoms I think (only about 90%).

DH said he thought you could, but they were expensive. I can use mirena because it only has projestrone and not estrogen.

I don't know if an MD would even put you on the pill if you have had a blood clot. After my DS3, I had the Paraguard. It was a nightmare. I got my period every two weeks and would have to wake up 2x in the night to take care of things (if you know what I mean). I had it in for a year. I did really try. Anyway, I just switched to the Mirena about 7 months ago and I LOVE it. I know a lot of people that don't get a period at all. I still get one but it is so much lighter and no cramping at all. I know $900 sounds like a lot but how much would 12 months of birth controls bill? A child would be a heck of a lot more than $900 too. Maybe they can work out a payment plan for you?? Good luck with your decision.

I figured they probably wouldn't consider it, but I figured it was worth a shot maybe. I'm concerned about the terrible bleeding with paragard also. How was mirena when you first got it inserted? I've heard of it is painful to have inserted, and for a couple days after. I had never thought about maybe they would "finance" it so to speak? My insurance said they would cover it was medically neccessay. I would if not being able to take anything else would make it a medical nessecity?

Good suggestion on the payment plans for the Mirena!

I would not want to be on hormonal BC after a clot! I have the Mirena right now, not sure if taht is an option for you either since it is hormonal. But yes, ask about all the BC methods you can use and then make a decision.

I can do mirena because it doesn't have estrogen. How was your experience with mirena? I've heard some people have terrible cramping with it and mirganes.

I had a blood clot about 18 months ago - and begged and pleaded to stay on the pill. NO doctor would let me.

But ALL of them recommended a Mirena - said the hormones present in it would not trigger another clot.

Inserted - no pain, no cramping and have not had a period in 18 months. I absolutely adore it. My insurance covered mine so I think I paid like $50 for five years worth of protection.

i figured he would probubly say no. I will have to talk to them about mirena. When I went last year and they put me on mini-pill, they suggested mirena. I heard of people having cramping worse than labor and horrible migranes, but from what I'm seen here those side effects are slim. Does it cause mood-swings? I only really have trouble taking pain medicine ad anithistamine, and it just knocks me out. Thanks everyone for your advice. I think I might be leaning towards mirena. I still want to do more looking into, so if anyone else has any advice please feel free to give it.

 

[dreamer03]

Have you thought about the NuvaRing? It is a three week bc that you insert and leave inserted for three weeks and once that time frame is up, you take it out and then comes your period. Sevendays later you insert another one and start all over. I have PCOS as well and my Midwife suggested this after giving birth to my first daughter. It was great.

 

[dizneechic]

I also use the NuvaRing because i have reactions to many types of pills (immediately break out in a rash when exposed to the sun ). I've been on the NR now for 6 years and its great - no complaints. I did try to do the mirena first but it failed (cervix was closed up tight, explains my 3 c/s's ) they offered to surgically implant it but it wasn't worth it to me.

 

[deuceswild10]

Paragard is awesome! No problems whatsoever.

 

[Melissa]

On my second Mirena and love it! What about going to Planned Parenthood or Family Planning depending where you live. They charge on a sliding fee scale and even if you are high up on the income level it still may be cheaper, it is great care and not just for teens who need B.C. it is for anyone. Quality may vary depending on your state, but in Maine it is excellent.

 

[NYEmomma]

I've never had blood clots with BC, but I've sworn it off because of all the horrible side effects I experienced... mainly depression & anxiety.

After DD was born I had decide what to do for BC and avoided mirena for the exact same reasons as I avoid the BCP. I also decided against paragard because of the really bad reviews I've heard about it (and the multiple people I've heard who have gotten pregnant while on it).

We decided on doing natural family planning. I did temping & monitoring other signs of my cycle while I was TTC so it was easy to just pick it up again. I can tell when I'm about to ovulate so I know we either need to abstain or use a condom around that time.

(it also lets me know that I have the same fertility problems I had when TTC DD so when it's time to TTC for #2 in a few months, I'll have to go back on fertility meds... kind of crappy, but it's better than TTC for over a year again first!)

I'm really happy with our decision. It's hormone-free, it'll be easy to start TTC again immediately when we're ready, and we don't have to use condoms all the time which isn't enjoyable for either of us.

 

[woodkins]

I cannot say enough good things about Mirena. I actually had a follow up today for my second insertion (I am on my 6th year). I had about 15 minutes of cramping from the insertion & that was it. Virtually no spotting at all and I havent' had a period in 6 years. It is amazing. My obgyn & nurse practioner are both women and they both also have a Mirena. They told me almost all of the women who work in the entire practice use it.

 

[DisGirl819]

My experience with mirena has been great. But, I've had two kids and am still breastfeeding my son. My OB said that mirena is less painful/bothersome in women who have had children than not. Insertion wasn't painful for me and I had minor spotting and occassionally have minor spotting, but haven't had a period in a year.

 

[MollyMcDaniel]

Another mirena fan here. I've had mine 3 years and love it. There was some discomfort when it was being inserted (a slight stinging sensation for about 2 min and then the cramping.) The cramping was mild for about a week....Advil took care of it. I had a c-section, so maybe vag births would be even less uncomfortable. Best part of it.....no periods. It is so nice to go on vacation and not worry about leaks, packing supplies, etc.