His and Her Health

In 1992 my sister who at the time was 17 had a stroke. She was a healthy person. Wasn't over weight, was very athletic, and didn't eat bad food. The doctor's didn't actually know if it was the birth control that caused her to have a blood clot, or some other out side thing. But, I have read alot about birth control and have found out that birht control increases your risk of a stroke, and you are at an even higher risk if you smoke. Which i do. I could stop smoking but, if i'm already at risk for a blood clot, i don't think i would chance even taking the birth control pill If i did. I am sexually active and would like to use some form of birth control besides condoms. They just don't work.. Plus I'm sensitive to Latex. <BR>To make matters even worse. My father is adopted and I don't know anything about his biological side. So, it could be some sort of disease that runs in the family who knows. I really don't know. <BR>I'm just wondering if anyone knows of a safer alternative. That has no risk of blood clots.<BR>I would like to know before i talk to my doctor about it. Just to do my own research about it. If anyone knows anything I would be very helpful!! THanks

Everyone is different but I started BC at 14,I am now 24.I took the pill,went to the depo shot(which I loved) now I'm back on the pill.I also am a smoker.I'm not going to sit here and tell you that things like that won't happen because they can,so far I've just been lucky.I have other problems though.I went off the shot because I lost weight(which somepeople may like that but I only weighed 96lbs and thats not good).My sister on the other hand gained alot of weight from the shot.Some side effects I have had is weight loss,hair coming out,and I have very low circulation in my hands.Since I've been back on the pill I got my weight up to 103.I'm only 5'2 so I still need to gain a little more.But anyway back to you,if you are really concerned about the pill,talk to your doctor about maybe the IUD.If you would rather quit smoking ask about Wellbutrin.It worked great for me but my insurance won't cover it unless the doctor writes it as a depressant and the last time I went my doc wasn't in so I'll have to wait.

Hi there:<BR>I read your post about the birth control pill and your sister, and I'm certainly sorry that that happened.<BR>The good news is that there are a couple of things you can do to both check your risk of stroke, and also to lower it.<BR>First, you can have a battery of blood tests done that detect inherited risk of blood clotting- your doctor can order it, and will once you mention your sister's history.<BR>Second, understand the risk of stroke with the pill isn't high unless these tests come back positive, or you are over 35 and smoke.<BR>Finally, quit smoking! It isn't your friend, and in many ways it's hurting you, even if you don't notice it. And, it's expensive. It may not be easy to quit, but you know it's worth it.<BR>This way, you win whatever you decide to do regarding birth control. Good luck!<BR><P>------------------<BR>Supportive Guy