Birth Control Question

Has it been known in the UK that the patch causes problems in some women with blood clots and such. There is a national tv ad about if you have been on it to call the lawyers as there is a huge lawsuit against the maker. Some women have died. http://www.orthopatchlawsuit.com/ I was on it for a while and was fine. I went off it as I gained a bit of weight and I was above the recommened weight for it to be effective. The last thing I wanted was to get pregnant, so I canged to the pill.

Yes, FP clinics advise this, and take bllod pressure and a medical history before prescribing anytyhing.

Vicky

is the risk of blood clots, etc any higher for the patch than any other BCP? 

Not entirely sure, sorry.

Vicky

just looked through that link, thanks munchie.

it appears that there is a higher risk of blood clot complications with the patch as compared to its birth control pill equivelent.

hmmmm..... i don't smoke, i'm not overweight, i guess i shoudn't ahve a problem.  but def something to talk to my gp about.

i have a college friend in the US who was not overweight, didn't smoke, didn't fly a lot, and she had a stroke in her mid-20's.  the only thing they thought MIGHT have contributed was her intake of birth control pills.  scary, eh? 

No chemical birth control is free of side effects.  When I was in my late teens I was put on the pill which made me gain weight like nobody's business.  My breasts went from a size B to a C in no time at all.  Then when I was 21 I started usingn Depo.  I used that for 3 years.  Studies have shown that long term use of Depo can lead to premature loss in bone mass, specially in woman who have used it for longer than 7 years. Not to mention it is also well known for weight gain.  I am now on the patch and I like it just fine.  It may have some side effects but then again everything does.  Then there are IUDs which are not free of side effects either.  I have known more than one woman who had serious problems with them.  So, if you want a side effect free birth control method use the rhythm method or abstinence.

June

So, if you want a side effect free birth control method use the rhythm method or abstinence.

The condom, diaphragm and copper coil do not use hormones to act as contraceptive.

The condom, diaphragm and copper coil do not use hormones to act as contraceptive.

I believe that the copper coil can still cause side effects though, such as heavy bleeding in some women.  And that there is a very small risk of uterine or cervical perforation (much less risk with modern designs than with the Dalkon Shield). 

i think the biggest risk with an IUD (esp with women who haven't given birth) is explusion.  that's the reason why my doctor has refused to "give" me one up to now.

junehawk is right- everything has a + and a -.  nothing is without sideeffects for everyone, and nothings perfect.  life.