Uterine Fibroids and Birth Control
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Uterine Fibroids and Birth Control
| 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

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
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.