Ladies... Birth control options after surgey

Hi ladies, 

just wondering what those of you did after surgery for servere cramping and heavy flow after surgery. 

I have been on the pill for years but my clinic told me to consider the shot or patch. 

Im not worried about the contraceptive part of things but I need some ease from my monthly visitor. 

Any advise?

I haven't had surgery yet, but after my second child was born I started getting super heavy periods.  So bad I couldn't even leave the house!  I tracked my cycle for almost 18 months and it just kept getting worse so I made an appointment with my obgyn.  He gave me 2 options other than the pill.  Get an ablasion (sp?) or get an IUD.  I chose the IUD and two and a half years later I barely have a period at all.  I still get some of the PMS symptoms, but the flow is down to almost nothing.  And, it works for 5 years before you get it removed.   

Heavy flow immediately after surgery is pretty common. If you're at all concerned, give a call to your centre. I know I bled like a stuck pig for 10 days (was due to get my period about 3 days post-op, terrible timing!)

For contraception, I'm giving my spiel again - the pill is not an appropriate form of birth control post-op. There are many better options available to you including depo (shot), IUD and my personal favourite, the Nuva Ring. Please also use a backup form (i.e. condoms).

Talk to your GP.  If you are not using the pill as a contraceptive, then it might still work for you.  I was having so much pain post WLS, that I asked for options and my GP put me on the pill.  Your GP might do the same, or suggest something else.

Cathy

My flow was super super heavy post op.. I opted for a vaginal hysterectomy (kept my ovaries) best decision ever :) I can't get pregnant and no more period! :) 

I was on the birth control pill pre op and Dr. Glazier suggested I think of other alternatives.  My obgyn recommended an IUD.  Apparently if you are on the pill for too long and your over weight it becomes less effective.

how many months has this been going on? My first period was unbelievably horrible but they've been better since then.  I've been thinking about birth control too, for contraceptive reasons.  Anyone use an IUD? I know it's not as effective as we lose weight, but I thought it would be a good accompaniment to condoms. 

This is my first cycle since surgery ( I had it for surgery). I'm 4 weeks post op.