Hi, my name is Claris and had two surgeries (Oct. & Nov. 2008) bcoz of moyamoya.  In March 2009, I  started taking birth control pills, Yaz.  On May 14, I had a TIA.  Has anybody experienced an adverse effect from taking the pill.

Hello Claris.  I was told under NO CIRCUMSTANCES to take a birth control pill.  In all of the literature from the drug companies it states to not take it if you are at risk of stroke.  TIA's are included in that. I would talk to your doctor pronto.  I can only imagine your doctor would tell you to stop taking it and find an alternative.  Best of luck!  MMnewtUt/Natalie ;)

We were also told by the doctor that birth control was out of the question as well as smoking, scuba diving, and high G roller coasters.  fortunately the roller coasters are the only thing aout daughter will miss.  Birth control will be an issue in a few years.

My neurologest forbid me to take estergin based Birth control. I took the progestergen only pill for a while but now I have an IUD called Mirena which is a low dose progestergen only inplant. I had my OB ask my nuerologest if this was okay for me, and it was okay for me. Just becaues it was okay for me does not mean it can be okay for you. There are some symilar issues with both kinds of progesten and estrogen pills. But there are other methods becides things with hormones in them. I would discuss any hormone method with our neurolgest to see if in your case it is the correct method. I am shocked that your OB put you on Yaz knowing there is the risk of stroke! I would tell you OB about the TIA and STOP taking Yaz untill it is cleared by your MM neurologest that yaz is okay for your MM!!Good luck,
Becky

I too was told not to take ANY FORM of hormone birth control...I was on depo provera which is progesterone (sp?) based when I had my stroke and got my dx.  I was told the old fashioned copper IUD was the only safe option.  Like Becky said, please verify with your MM specialist what/if you should be taking any hormone therapy (including birth control).  
Michele  

Becky wrote on May 19^th, 2009 at 12:21pm:

I would tell you OB .....!!

Hey all

I'm not taking any birth control pills (believe it or not ;D), but this thread is just such a good example of why this forum is so important.

Also, Becky, what is an OB?

Mark (Luca's DAD)

Mark~

This is just another thing we mm'ers 'get to' be aware of and alert about -- as you know, there are many things to be aware of / alert to. vasco-constrictors for one.
I suspect that by the time Luca comes of age things will be completely different re: contraception.  Medicine is advancing so fast.
I too was taken off the pill after I stroked.

OB/GYN is Obstetrics/Gynecology. women heath.

Hugs to Luca,

Linda (LA)

I need to correct my previous post, I meant the IUD (no hormones) was what I was told was the only safe option as far as women's BC, I just want to throw out there that there are also things men can do to prevent unwanted pregnancies (some of them permanent [smiley=yikes.gif], depending on where you are at in life).  
Michele            

LOL

Michele,  
In regards to the Man preventing unwanted pregencies.......

Robert was born by a emergency C-section, after which Julie had her tubes tied, as Julie had had so much trauma during Roberts birth I suggested to the Dr. that I have a vasectomoy his reply (and I quote)

"you getting a vasectomoy does not  keep her from getting pregant"
:o
lol, just thought I would share that with you

Mike

There are the cervical caps and diphrams that women can also use as an alternitive, but i hear they need practice putting them in. The best bet is to DEMAND no playtime with out the man being wraped even if you are on some form of BC!! This method not only protects aginst pregnancy but some STDs as well for both involved. Unwanted pregnacny is unwelcomed but an STD can be Worst!!! The ickyest STDs can hide but still can be trasmitted with out signs, or in AIDS there are no signs what so ever. If women BC is still a good to have but I still would talk to your neurologest before taking any hormone BCs.
Becky

Mark, thanks for the reply...my laugh of the week.  (Um, not sure if the significant other thought it was humorous...luckily his vasectomy has been successful)  A good dose of humor is often necessary  :D  

I just wanted to add that a diaphragm does require the use of a spermicide for moderate success in preventing pregnancies.  

The diaphragm keeps sperm from entering the uterus by blocking the cervix. For added protection, spermicide is put into the bowl of the diaphragm and along its edges...
http://kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_health/contraception/contraception_diaphragm.html

A cervical cap is used with spermicidal jellies or creams that kill sperm.  http://www.birth-control-comparison.info/capinfo.htm

A popular form of spermicide is the topic of this FDA ruling:
SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is issuing a final rule stating that a certain ingredient in over-the-counter (OTC) drug
products is not generally recognized as safe and effective or is
misbranded. FDA is issuing this final rule after considering the
reports and recommendations of various OTC drug advisory review panels and public comments on proposed agency regulations. This final rule addresses the ingredient octoxynol 9, considered in the rulemaking for OTC vaginal contraceptive drug products. Based on the failure of interested parties to submit new data or information to FDA under the proposed regulation, the agency has determined that the presence of this active ingredient in an OTC drug product would result in that drug product not being generally recognized as safe and effective for its intended use or would result in misbranding. This final rule is part of FDA's ongoing OTC drug product review.
http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/98fr/050902b.htm
Again, please consult your MM specialist prior to starting new medications, OTC or otherwise.  If your MM specialist has prescribed medications for you (i.e aspirin, plavix, etc) please be aware of the drug to drug interactions, as well as recalls, etc. concerning your medications.  

Here is a gov't website that may help  
http://www.fda.gov/Cder/consumerinfo/druginteractions.htm

Michele

Michele wrote on May 22^nd, 2009 at 2:33am:

Mark, thanks for the reply...my laugh of the week.....

Credit to Mike for your laugh.

Mark

Woops!  
Michele