Uterine Fibroids and Birth Control

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-27-2005
Uterine Fibroids and Birth Control
2
Tue, 04-04-2006 - 1:31pm

I recently found out by my doctor that I have fibroids. I was on bc for several years and now he says that I can no longer take bc because it may cause the fibroids to grow. Can you tell me what other BC I can take (besides condoms) that will prevent pregnancy?

Thxs

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Tue, 04-04-2006 - 5:05pm

Hi mekmek1127, welcome!

I think it is the estrogen in combined (estrogen/progestin) pills and the patch and ring that cause fibroids to grow. Here is a good article on Uterine Fibroids: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000914.htm .

As far as a hormonal alternative, there is the progestin-only-pill (mini-pill) that is effective but it has a very strict time requirement (+/-30 minutes) for taking your pills on time. There are no days off, you take a pill every day and irregular bleeding is very common when using the mini-pill.

Another possible option is a diaphragm and spermicide which can be very effective but is rather high maintenance and requires dedication to use it correctly and consistently. There is a post in our FAQs about diaphragms if you are interested.

And the sponge and spermicide alone are also alternatives with effectiveness in the 80% range. You might want to read the post in our FAQs about choosing a method of contraception that’s right for you. And here is a comparison of method efficacy: http://www.contraceptivetechnology.com/table.html

Thanks for posting. If you have more questions ask away. I hope you find a method that is right for you. After you discuss your options with your Gyn let us know what you decide, ok?

Good luck,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Wed, 04-05-2006 - 7:34am

Nobody talks about FAM.... (just kidding Jill!)


I just came off the pill and am using a combination of female condoms (my husband doesn't do well with male condoms), spermicide, and FAM.

Judie Cl for Birth Control