Long term use of BC pills

Kentuckychick_8201

I was on the pill for 7 years before having DD.  I went on it again right after my 6 week pp checkup and plan on staying on it for another 4-6 years.  My mother is trying to convince me that I need to find a new method because being on the pill this long is harmful.  I know there are risks, however I am 26 and I don't smoke so this is helpful.  I plan to ask my OB/GYN about this at my annual but thoughts? opinions?  I have googled this and I know the bump is not for medical advice, however I just want thoughts and opinions.  Is anyone else going to be on the pill this long? 

Ashley Pharez

I was on it for 6 years before DS and I was back on it 6 weeks post partum as well.  There are risks with everything though.

BetchySprout

There are risks with every type of birth control (outside of something like condoms or FAM). I was on the pill (LoOvral, OrthoTriCyclen, and Yasmin over the years) for 13 years and used Nuvaring for 2, then came off it to TTC Jack. I never had any problems (FWIW, I am not a smoker and I am significantly overweight).

Mrs.BLG

I was on it for 7 years too before TTC DS. I didn't want to go back on it, but when DS was 4 months old, I did anyway. It is just the easiest and simplest solution for us. I will also be on it for about 2 more years (hopefully not longer than that).

I am not sure about the effects of being on it this long. My OB never said anything to me about it.

My one friend has been on the pill for about 15 years (I forget exactly how old she is, but she has been on it since she was 18 and she is in her 30's now). Anyway, she is trying to have a baby. She has gotten pg twice now and both ended in m/c. It has me thinking and wondering whether her being on the pill for so long has anything to do with it. I mean for all those years her body never controlled her hormones...they were always regulated. Now, I am not a Dr. and I don't know if that could happen or has anything to do with her m/c's, but I am just saying that it makes me wonder...

LucyGoosey81

There are risks with everything, I agree with PP's.  I was on Lo/Ovral, Ortho Evra, and NuvaRing with no break between all of them for about 8 years before TTC DS.  After going off, though, I felt soooo much better, and I didn't even know I was feeling BAD, so I won't be going back on them anymore.  If you've talked about it with your OB GYN, and decided that's the best option for you, that's great!

Heather R

actually lowers risk for ovarian cancer.

 

Monkeybuttwhat

Heather R:

actually lowers risk for ovarian cancer.

 

This

I was on it ten years before DD. I am doing FAM now since we're TTC next month.

whitless

there are risks associated with BC pills, but they don't increase with length of use. 

peanutontheway

I was on BCPs from 17 to 23.  Got KU with DD while still on the pill.  Had a Mirena inserted at 6wk pp appt.  My periods are so much more manageable when I'm on hormonal BC. 

redhead2466

BCP is said to lower the risk of ovarian cancer, but has been linked to an increased risk in other cancers, most notably breast cancer.  And yes, the longer you are on the pill, the greater the risk. The product monograph for BCPs states this risk is greatest for those on the pill for over 8yrs and those who go on it at a young age. This information however, is buried in the fine print.

In 2005 the WHO warned that the pill is carcinogenic and increases the risk of cervical, liver and breast cancers.  But we don't hear about that, do we?  Pharmaceutical companies have deep pockets and a vested interest to market their drugs in as favorable a light as possible.  They downplay the risks, and vehemently publicize the benefits.

The reduced risk of ovarian cancer comes from a woman ovulating less, which she will not do on BCP.  Being pregnant and breastfeeding thereafter are other ways of achieving this benefit, BTW.  Breastfeeding also lowers the risk of breast cancer in addition to ovarian cancer.

I just think that more balanced information needs to be made available so women can make an informed decision.  I myself was on BCP for about 8 years, and I will never go on any type of hormone-altering contraceptive again.  Call me a heretic if you must, but altering your body's natural hormone cycles is dangerous, IMO.