What if .....

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-26-2003
What if .....
2
Thu, 07-08-2004 - 4:03am
I've been reading about the patch and I'm all for it but I do have blood clots but not all the time. Does this matter? I can quit smoking but the blood clots are what worry me. Is there something I can do to prevent them or is it ok to use the patch if I only have them sometimes?
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
In reply to: dallaspoet
Thu, 07-08-2004 - 6:47am
Hi Dallaspoet, welcome!

There is NO hormonal method of birth control that that you can use safely if you have a history of blood clots! Smoking with a clotting history is a recipe for trouble and adding hormones will just compound the problem. Take my advice and find an effective non-hormonal form of contraception. There are some available such as the copper IUD or barriers.

Good luck,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
In reply to: dallaspoet
Thu, 07-08-2004 - 8:31am
But wait, hang on--progestin-ONLY methods might be okay, depending on what the doctor says. Most of the concern with blood clots is with the estrogen component, which does rule out combination pills, the patch, and the ring, but if her doctor is willing to try a progestin-only method, there are progestin-only pills, though they require very good pill taking habits to be nearly as effective as a combination pill. And then there's Depo Provera or the Mirena if her doctor is willing...

Dallaspoet's best and safest bet might be a barrier method....

Judie

Judie Cl for Birth Control