Too risky?
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| Fri, 05-04-2007 - 9:00pm |
A little over a year ago, my GYN told me that due to my age (35), and high blood pressure (managed well), I shouldn't take birth control pills. She said the only safe birth control method (other than condoms or an IUD) would be Depo Provera. So I've been getting those shots up until my last shot in January.
My health insurance no longer covers Depo Provera, and my new GYN is telling me that birth control pills would be safe for me, even with the high blood pressure. However, everything I've read online says that women with a history of high blood pressure should not use the pill.
I've been married for 15 years, and my DH travels frequently. He's only home about 2-3 days out of every month. My dilema now is trying to justify putting my health at possible risk (by using the pill) for 2-3 days (per month) of intercourse. I keep thinking that, although not as spontaneous, condoms would at least be healthier for me long-term.
What would you ladies do?

Have you considered something more permanent? If you know you are done having children maybe it's time to consider sending him for the big V.
Also you could try and IUD the non-hormonal one is good for 10 year and the hormonal is good for 5 years. They would both allow you spontaneity and not have you taking something like the pill.
If you have any questions about the Mirena (hormonal) IUD let me know and I'll try and help. I had one put in in Feb.
I agree with the previous response...
Do you have children? If so, are you done having children? If that's the case, then perhaps implementing a permanent form of BC would be the best thing for you. I went through the Essure procedure back in 12/04, it's less invasive than a tubal ligation, there is no cutting involved. It involves placing tiny coils into the fallopian tubes, causing scar tissue build up, therefore blocking the tubes, preventing pgcy.
If you are still planning to have children, then this is obviously not the thing for you. I can understand your apprehension with going on the pill. It can be of risk to many women. I myself am on the Yaz bcp, but not even for bc reasons. I have severe PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) and it's my miracle pill, it has literally saved my life.
Okay... I'm rambling now, sorry about that. I do that when I don't get enough sleep, LOL. ;)
I hope that you find something that is suitable for you. I wish you all the best!
Vida
Hi taylorblue,
Jill
Wow! Thanks so much for all of the information. I didn't even know there were progestin-only pills available. I will definitely have to talk to my doctor about that.
An IUD might be a problem due to having complete pelvic prolapse (bladder, rectum, and uterus). My doctor was concerned about trouble with insertion. I've had trouble keeping the Nuva-Ring inserted in the past.
Our family won't be getting any bigger, due to the prolapse, but I don't mind taking a daily pill each day. I'll definitely look into the progestin-only pills between now and when I see my doctor again.
Thank you soooo much! :-)