HBC and travel

[violetstar124.livejournal.com]

Hi all,

I've been on Yaz for a couple months now with no problem. My doctor recommended I switch due to potential increased blood clot risk, but I've done a lot of research and would like to stay on Yaz for the time being. I'm going to Asia in August and have heard that diarrhea is very common for travelers...so I'm worried about the pills effectiveness with all the potential stomach upset. Any suggestions/experiences on what to do? I've considered NuvaRing in the past and think it may be a good solution for this, but I'm hesitant to start a new BC in case I hate it and will be leaving in less than 2 months.

Also, I'm planning on starting that pill pack around a reasonable-ish time in both Asia and the US but any insight into taking pills when

Thanks for any help!

Comments

[fireaphid.livejournal.com]

Can you take an extra pack with you? That way, if you got diarrhea, you could just take an extra pill from the bonus pack a couple hours later, and because Yaz is a monophasic, combined pill, it won't compromise your protection for that pill to be a little late and it won't matter what order you take the pills in.

[jennifer0246.livejournal.com]

The type of diarrhea that you would need to worry about with the pill is the kind where your body isn't absorbing what you're putting into it - where what goes in orally comes out nearly immediately and unabsorbed. This is really quite rare, and not something most people should worry about. It's the kind of thing where you'd be looking to check yourself into the hospital, not worrying about contraceptive efficacy.

Beyond that, I would discuss with your medical provider the increased blood clot risk. If s/he recommends changing methods due to some genetic predisposition to clotting, you should be aware that the progestin Yaz uses has a higher risk of clotting as compared with other progestins, and air travel/long flights also increase the risk of cardiovascular events. It's worthy of a discussion with a health care provider who knows you and your personal risks, so that you can make an informed decision.

[gatehorse.livejournal.com]

Most diarrhea will not affect the effectiveness of your pill, so I wouldn't worry unless you vomit within a couple hours of taking your pill.
Also, whil I have heard that people on Yaz can be at increased risk for blood clots, I've also heard that it's still a VERY small risk. Just something to take into consideration.

[the-band.livejournal.com]

Is the "potential increased blood clot risk" a genetic thing or just the general pill issue? If it's genetic, probably the sooner you get off the pill, the better.

Either way, long flights [and other long periods of being stationary - bus rides, etc.] also increase the chance of clotting. If you're on the pill and/or have a genetic thing, you might want to look into compression stockings for traveling. And everyone should make sure they stay hydrated [just water - no coffee or alcohol on the plane], get up at least once an hour to walk up and down the aisle a few times and stretch, do those silly stretches at their seat...

Knowing that you're at a higher risk is an advantage - if you do notice that something is up with your leg, even with these precautions, let the doctor know that thrombosis is a possibility. Mine went undiagnosed for way too long because the thought of a healthy 23-year-old having thrombosis never even crossed my doctor's mind.

If/when you're ready to switch birth control, you might want to look into an IUD - even the hormonal one [Mirena] has a low enough risk of clotting that even people with a genetic predisposition and/or a history of thrombosis can use it.

Have a fantastic time in Asia!