Anticoagulation and birth control pills

[drivetopless]

I have a uniquely female issue question for the ladies on the forum.
I'm wondering about the use of birth control pills with a mechanical valve/coumadin scenario.
Birth control pills have a well publicized potential side effect of increasing the likelihood of forming blood clots, though they don't actually cause blood clots.

I did find this article on the subject of anticoagulants and bcps. It seems to be mostly pro-bcp. In fact, it seems that because you are on anticoagulants, the blood clot risks of taking bcps may be reduced, making them more beneficial for pre and post menopausal women on anticoagulants:
http://www.stoptheclot.org/learn_more/womens_health_faq.htm

So what were your experiences?
Did you notice a change in menstruation w/ anticoagulants?
Did you discontinue the use of birth control pills before or after valve replacement?
Did you start using birth control pills after valve replacement as a beneficial medication?

Share. I'm listening.

 

[kerri73]

My doctors let me use birth control pills with my artificial valve/coumadin use and there have been no problems. I just had to get the cardiologist to OK it for my OB first, and they have always been happy to do so (two different cardiologists have done that, and even my surgeon when I was in the hospital this last summer as my um... special time started while I was in ICU... thanks Mother Nature!)

I just recently switched to the Depo Provera Shot, which I know is considered safer than the pill for us - it also doesn't lose effectiveness when you take antibiotics, which is also nice.

Hope that helped answer your questions and feel free to ask if you have any more!
Kerri

 

[drivetopless]

Thanks for being the fearless first responder, Kerri. This inquiry was generating cricket noises compared to others. But I think it's an important subject for the ladies of the forum.

 

[Ross]

This inquiry was generating cricket noises compared to others. But I think it's an important subject for the ladies of the forum.

It's the audience dear. I sometimes think sex lives are dead for most people here. The younger group doesn't come around much, so it may be a while till you get more responses.

 

[ottagal]

DriveTopLess,
Unfortunately, I can't help you out with this one as I am not on anticoagulants, otherwise I would be an active participant.

However, I recall seeing a 'fact sheet' on birth control use and valve disease. If my memory serves me correctly, the Mirena IUD was considered the safest method (local acting progesterone and no estrogen). I don't recall whether there was discussion on coumadin use and BCP's. I think the factsheet was available online through the American Heart Assocation (if you are up for the search).

Hope you get some answers!

 

[Bina]

Like Ross said, the younger crowd doesn't come around much...... maybe they are too busy "doing it" ?

Secondly, many of the married couples have men who have "manned up" and allowed themselves to be neutered to save their wives from more drugs.
Thirdly, some men on BB meds suffer with EF. We have archived threads on these topics.

 

[jax]

i have wondered the same thing as far as birth control. Mine is for a different reason besides getting pregnant as my husband has had a vasectomy. It seems that since I have been on coumadin my menstruation is quite a bit worse than it used to be. It is quite frustrating actually.

 

[KristyW]

Drive,

I have had a hysterectomy in the last 6 months, but I had valve replacement 9 years ago. My periods were definitely MUCH heavier after AVR. That said, I was going into perimenopause and my Gyn said that is was normal to have heavier periods before they start to abate. It got bad enough that I asked my GP at the time if I could go on birth control pills (BCP) to control some of the heavy bleeding. My gynocologist and G.P. both said that us women on anticoagulants are great candidates for BCP as they get some protection from clot formation that estrogen can cause. (I hope that makes sense.)

My life was MUCH nicer once I went on BCP. My periods lasted 4-5 days every 28 days of light bleeding instead of 7-10 days every 20 days of...well...let's not go there.

Hope this helps.

 

[zipper2]

I had my aortic valve mechanical done in 93 @ in 1996 surgery of a cyst
They found i was diagnosed with endiometrious,so was told i had to be put
on bcp's for this reason.

I have been on bcp of all sorts and for last 14 years due to this reason.Had my
2nd open heart for mitral last Jan 2009 and still remain on depo vera.
Never had any concerns cept for bit of weight gain each start time on bc
but found the depo much better at time of change of pills.
Into 9th year of depo,and now 49 years old used to smoke,but quit recently however
no problems then or yet @ my cardio is aware and stresses i stay on the depo for
endo until menopause then i am able to quit using the bcp.

Otherwise had a tubal in 1988 so still need the bcp lol
hope this helps you @ others out somewhat for reasons i am using it and the long journey
ive had in no choice but to take it and i really havenot experienced any problems whatsoever
having mech. valves and the bcp yet,however doubly protected with the tubal,haha

 

[Luana]

They have birth control pills now?

Luana

 

[Elcarim]

I am 32yo, I have a mechanical valve and subsequently on coumadin. I was told that I could not take the contraceptive pill due to the interactions. I never really liked it anyway, and after much discussion and consideration, I went with the Mirena IUD.
I find it fabulous. I was also having very unpleasant heavy periods due to ACT, but with the Mirena I don't get them at all. And I still feel like myself, as the hormones are not as strong as with the pill.

 

[fischje]

I am experiencing the same problem.. I had my surgery in Feb and went to my OBGYN a few weeks ago to see about what would be the best type of birth control for my situation. My cardiologist prior to my last surgery ( pre coumadin) told me I couldn't be on birth control pills due to the chance of blood clots. My OBGYN recommended that I take progestin-only birth control pills or get a IUD. The progestin only doesn't have the side effects like a combination birth control pill. She said its the estrogen that causes the blood clots. I decided to get the pills and actually haven't started taking them yet because afte some research the internet it said these type can also cause blood clots. I am going to call my cardiologist tomorrow. I am still dealing with the fact I cannot have my own babies now the birth control issue is so involved Its nice to know that are some women that have had valve replacement have this same dilemma

 

[drivetopless]

It's really frustrating, because I've heard mixed messages. Some say it's great because the coumadin minimizes clotting issues of bcp and others say no because BCP can create clotting issues. Geez.

 

[fischje]

Got the okay from my cardiologist to start BCP ( progestin only ). I started today so hopefully it all works out.