Birth Control scare...anyone Else?

Studies show that all BC can cause clotting and stroke in those who take it. (Read the label and you'll see the warning in fine print on all brands) And if you have a genetic predisposition to clot easily,smoke, have high blood pressure or heart condition, you are at an even higher risk of having complications with BC and should not use it all.

Yes, you can sometimes feel clots...but usually when it is very serious and ususally in the leg area. It can sometimes appear like a bruise. It can be hot, tender to very painful, or abnormally swollen. However, it isn't so easy to detect if you happen to have a clot in other parts of the body where you can not necessarily feel or see them.

While usually there are no apparent signs a clot has formed, the one exception is if a clot is causing a blockage somewhere you may have the same warning signs of impending stroke...which is often when it's too late to get help. Especially if they're (clots) of the deep vein variety or in the lungs (pulminary embolism). This is why death due to clotting is sudden and often by surprise.

All people get clots, but most people's bodies can break them down and the clots naturally resolve themselves. If and when the clots are formed abnormally (due to BC for instance) and don't break down, they can cause a blockage in the veins or lungs for instance, they can restrict oxygen and cause vision issues and other problems. When clots do not break down, they can cause stroke symptoms...and eventually stroke.

The only way to know what is going on is to see a doctor...maybe not the OB, stop the chemical BC, and even have a genetic blood test done to see if you have a predisposition for clotting. If so you are at higher risk for clotting due to medications such as BC. Even if you don't have a clotting disorder, BC can still cause them. It's just more risky for those with clotting disorders.

Google deep vein thrombosis, stroke, and birth control and stroke for more information. It might be time to find an alternative like natural family planning. It's as effective as BC if done right, but there is no side effect risk. Read: Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler on how to do natural bc.

See: http://www.amazon.com/Taking-Charge-Fertility-Anniversary...

Here is info on YAZ and stroke risk:
http://www.onlinelawyersource.com/yaz-birth-control/stroke/

Here is info on BC in general upping risk of heart attack and stroke:
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=118178&page=1

Info on deep vein thrombosis:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_vein_thrombosis
http://www.healthcentral.com/heart-disease/c/19/1812/birt...

Info on pulminary embolism (clot that has travelled to lungs)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulmonary_Embolism

i wouldnt recommend yasmin. I know there are alot of bad reports on it. Not sure what the dr. is talking about, but always risks with birth control anyway. I recommend condoms!

Why not just switch to a different brand?

If you are concerned the only way to find out is by having a FULL physical exam, including an eye exam and get off the pill for a few months. I am sure your signifigant other will agree that 6 months of no sex to make sure of no "Oops'!" is well worth your long term health in his eyes.

I have gone to one of the lowest dose pills called Avienne. I was on Yasmin in my 20's but now that I am 35 I would not be on it or the generic. Yes, it is safe for most women but I wouldn't want to take a chance. Are you heavy, a smoker, or over 35? In that case now way would I take it.

I had to be taken off BC, because I got a superficial blood clot in my leg. (I was on Desogen.) I'm 49. Took BC pils without any problems for years, so part of it has to do with age for me. You do need to get your leg checked out by a doctor to make sure though and see what it is. Deep vein blood clots are the most dangerous, because you can't feel them and they can travel. Superficial are more of a nuisance and warning. They put you at a higher risk for a deep blood clot, so you have to be really careful to get enough exercise and eat low-fat. A superficial blood clot you can actually see. It looks like a red spot on your leg, feels warm to the touch, is very painful, and itches like crazy! I knew the symptoms, because my mom used to get them every time she'd bump her leg. I went to the doc right away, before it got worse.

I am really confused by your post, your vision has been getting worse? What did your eye doctor say?

All birth control pills carry some serious side effects. In my opinion and that of my doctor you would have to be an idiot to smoke and be on birth control pills. That said those idiots get the big payouts when something goes wrong and they play stupid, oh I didn't think it was that big of a deal.

Anyway if you lead a somewhat healthy lifestyle you have nothing to worry about so unless you have been lying to your doctor you are safe.