Question:
DO I NEED TO STOP TAKING BIRTH CONTROL PILLS?

Ihave excessive uterine bleeding. If I don't take the pill then I am on my period 24/7. Will this affect me having the surgery?    — Alicia M. (posted on October 16, 2002)

October 16, 2002
My surgeon had me stop taking my birth control pills at least a month before my surgery. She said that the pill can cause blood clots which can be deadly during surgery. She said that I can start taking the pill again a month after surgery.
   — Christine C.

October 16, 2002
Alicia, please speak with your surgeon and your OB. Other hormone birth control methods may be better both before and after surgery. Many people believe that birth control pills are not properly absorbed after surgery, so they may not be effective for birth control or for your bleeding problem. For you, shots or a patch may be a more appropriate alternative, but only your medical team can decide for sure.
   — Amber L.

October 16, 2002
I just spoke with my OB/GYN this afternoon. I had asked her if the patch would be a good idea. She said it is only effective up to 198 lbs. If you weigh more than that then you can't use it. She told me to continue taking my pill but make sure I crush it up real good and take all of it. I told her I'd be back at 198 !!!!!
   — Angela C.

October 16, 2002
I have the same problem with my period. My doctor gives me 300 mg of depo provera every 2 months (normal dose is 150mg every 3 months)...and it stops my period...AND I have talked to the surgeon who told me that there is no problem with depo provera. I hope that helps
   — thekatinthehat

October 16, 2002
PLEASE STOP TAKING THE PILL UNTIL AFTER SURGERY!! This is very dangerous. Have you heard of females having strokes due to taking the pill? It can cause blood clots, especially during surgery, which can lead to pulmonary embolism and death! Please discuss this with your surgeon. If he/she states it's ok to continue, question the above with him. Good luck!
   — roryleigh

October 16, 2002
My surgeon AND OBGYN said I could take the pill right up to surgery day then resume taking the pill three days post op (as soon as I got my G-tube out). My surgeon and OBGYN both ASSURED me that I would be able to absorb the pill post op with no problems. I am 5 months post op as of today and have had no problems whatsoever. I cannot imagine going off the pill - I love it. My "cycle" would be hell without it. Good luck to you.
   — Traci A.

October 16, 2002
I have problems with my period going haywire - i have 2 and three periods a month...but im on Norplant, and the doc thinks the dosage is too much. He said that he would not put me on the pill due to our absorbtion issues...said would definately put me on the patch once Norplant was gone...Hope this helps.
   — jammie B.

October 18, 2002
I do the Depo Provera shots, and my surgeon required me to be off them completely for 2 months previous to surgery and use no hormonal form of birth control. I'm getting my tubes tied w/ my RNY. Good Luck!!
   — Wannabe A.