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You are here: Experts > Teens > Health for Teens > Birth Control > At a loss on birth control
Birth Control - At a loss on birth control
Expert: Norman Solberg - 10/29/2009
Question
Hello! thank you for taking time to read my question. A bit about me: I am a 19 year old female with type 1 diabetes. I am fairly active and have a BMI of 27.
I have tried various methods of hormonal birth control since 2007. I started with the pill (Marvelon) but quit because I wanted an even lower dose of hormone and didn't want to worry about taking pills on time. My Dr then recommended NuvaRing, which I thought was the answer to my prayers, until I started having sharp pains in my left calf and on the left side of my upper chest. I did some research and learned that NuvaRing is notorious for strokes and pulmonary embolisms, compared to other brands. I then looked into the possibility of the Mirena IUD (I have been in a monogamous relationship for 3 years and don't plan on changing any time soon!), but he discovered that I have frequent gardnerella infections, so he didn't want to take the risk. I'm back at square one now. What can I do besides use a condom? is NuvaRing really that deadly? What is my best option? I'd rather not bug my gyno, as I harass him enough already :P I'm at a loss.
Answer
As far as I can tell, it's not certain at this time whether NuvaRing causes more blood clotting problems than any other combination birth control pill. It has a third generation progesterone, and there are conflicting reports. The FDA has not taken it off the market, and I'm sure they've studied it. That said, since you did have calf and chest pain while on it, I would avoid NuvaRing or other combination birth control pills. I would think the Mirena IUD would work well for you. I don't know of any relationship between the Mirena and gardnerella infections or BV. I wouldn't expect any relationship, since the Mirena is inside the uterus, and gardnerella infections are only in the vagina. I suspect that if you get a second opinion from another gynecologist, you could get the Mirena. Another possibility is the progestin only pill, or minipill. It's not quite as effective as the combination pill (2 pregnancies per 100 women per year) and does require taking a pill every day. There is a progesterone implant (Implanon) which is like a match stick inserted under the skin which is very effective and lasts for 3 years. It has the same progesterone as the NuvaRing, but no estrogen, and I haven't heard anything about it causing blood clots. It does cause some irregular bleeding. The progesterone only methods are good as far as diabetes and blood clot problems. I hope this has been helpful.
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