Switching birth control because of a blood clot...

na41313 · January 2014

I've been on the pill since I was 16 for medical reasons, but recently my doctor found a blood clot in my calf. I'm going off of the pill, and was advised by my doctor that the next best alternative for me is Mirena. Has anyone had this? Or switched to it before? The only thing that makes me nervous is I have no frame of reference as far as what to expect. Thank you in advance to anyone that can help!

chrisnjay05212010 · January 2014

Im thinking of switching to an IUD myself when i go back to the doctor in two months. Ive been on the pill a long time and we have no plans of having kids. Im curious to see other people's opinions.

chelsy31588 · January 2014

Mirena is also hormonal my aunt got a blood clot while on it, but that is her not you. The copper IUD is not hormonal so maybe ask about that?

na41313 · January 2014

My doctor thinks it was the estrogen, not the progesterone, causing the problem. However, after doing some of my own research (aka googling everything and anything Mirena in a bit of a panic), and talking to my husband, I don't feel like I should be jumping to another hormonal method so quickly. My doctor didn't think the copper IUD would work very well for me. She also brought up the depo shot. My biggest fear is the side effects and risks that are associated with Mirena. I haven't researched the shot yet, but I will when I'm ready to go back to hormonal birth control. In the mean time I think it may be best to let me body get back to normal, considering I've only had 2 periods before going on the pill. I'm seeing a vascular specialist next Friday, so hopefully he can get my leg back to normal.

Jennycolada · January 2014

I'm considering a hormonal IUD myself and would love feedback on it as well.

brigitbella · January 2014

I had Mirena and loved it!! It was one of the best kinds of birth control I've tried. I did not gain weight with it (like I did with the depo injections), didn't have to remember a daily pill, and didn't get lasso'ed around my partners privates (like the nuva ring did several times...so embarrassing).

I would recommend it. I didn't have any regular periods, and only occasional spotting. I still had occasional cramping, but nothing out of the ordinary for me. It was great!

chrisnjay05212010 · January 2014

brigitbella said:

I had Mirena and loved it!! It was one of the best kinds of birth control I've tried. I did not gain weight with it (like I did with the depo injections), didn't have to remember a daily pill, and didn't get lasso'ed around my partners privates (like the nuva ring did several times...so embarrassing).
I would recommend it. I didn't have any regular periods, and only occasional spotting. I still had occasional cramping, but nothing out of the ordinary for me. It was great!

thanks for sharing!

flagchic · February 2014

I know everybody is different, and here's my experience with it: I had the Mirena done in July and had a lot of ups and downs so far. This was my first experience with a birth control that wasn't a daily pill. When I was getting it done, I was told the worst symptoms would last three months, and if I could get through the first three months, I'd be okay. The symptoms have definitely not gone away entirely for me yet and it's been over 7 months. I had constant breakthrough bleeding for six months straight, and it's only gotten better in the last month or so. The cramps I had whenever I was spotting were just awful and almost constant! No fun. I have to say though it's been getting better/lighter every month, and so I'm definitely sticking with it. It's definitely nice to not have to schedule life around a daily pill. I have a few friends who have the Mirena who had awesome experiences, with symptoms clearing up within those first three months and no periods since. Maybe I'm just one of the unlucky ones! But like I said, everybody is different!

annmarie714 · February 2014

I have the Paragard IUD (non-hormonal) and love it--got it almost 2 years ago. My cramps are about what they were before BCP and the flow is slightly heavier. It's still my normal 26-28 day cycle. The paragard is good for 10 years and the insertion process is similar/the same as mirena (I can't speak for the mirena because I've never had it but I was told this). I would definitely get it again after we have kids in 5-7 years.

formerlyGDaisy09 · March 2014

so my doc just switched me off of Yaz because I was getting optical migranes, I guess both yaz and optical migraned put you in a higher risk category for stroke. She put me on a progesterone only pill (some docs call it the mini-pill) it has to be taken within the same hour every day, and doesn't control when you get your period...so far I'm not sure about it....but it is an alternative. I think it's the estrogen in normal pills that increase risk of stroke and clots...so you might ask about POP.

MedStudent13 · June 2014

If you have already had a blood clot, forgive me, but it would be ridiculously stupid to use another form of hormonal BC. I recommend Fertility Awareness to all of my friends. It's 100% natural, 100% free of side effects, and just as effective as the pill when used correctly. Purchase or borrow from the library Taking Charge of your Fertility by Toni Weschler. Fertility awareness involves you making observations throughout your cycle, monitoring mucus, waking temperature and cervical position and applying the protocols to determine whether or not you are in the fertile part of you cycle. There are many different charting applications available, my personal favorite is OvuView for android, but there is also Kindara and Fertility Friend for iphones. You can always use a barrier method during the fertile period, or just get extra creative.

My husband and I have been using the method for a year and no problems yet!

FutureMrsMerati · September 2014

I know this is an old board but I also had a DVT from birth control and thought others might learn from my experiences. I was on the Mirena until my OBGYN told me during my annual exam that it had somehow dislodged - super pregnancy scare there. I took the Mirena out and am now on progesterone-only birth control called Jolivette for the past year. So far, so good!

zachandkiley · December 2014

I've had my IUD (Mirena) for 4 and a half years at this point and loved it up until a few months ago. My hormones have been going insane. My face has been breaking out, I've gained weight and can't seem to lose it, I feel bloated all the time, I have cramps often, I'm incredibly moody and emotional. It's miserable.

I've also been reading that people experience the "Mirena Crash" after they have it removed. I'm terrified, but I'm getting it taken out next month.

We're switching to the Fertility Awareness Method with the Kindara app and system! I would encourage you to check it out!! It's all natural and all about you knowing your body. No artificial hormones!!

If you do decide to switch and want to purchase their BBT thermometer which seems super awesome and effective you can click here for a $10 discount!

But whatever you decide I hope you feel better!

Switching birth control because of a blood clot...

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