vaginapagina | HBC and Anesthesia (Reply)

I'm going back home on Wednesday after finals for a month for winter break(!) I'm going to see my boyfriend in that time, so I want to go back on NuvaRing just for some peace of mind. I'll only stay on it for about one cycle until I have a period, then I'll be getting my IUD.

I have an appointment to get my wisdom teeth removed on December 18th. I'll be going under heavy sedation - almost the same effect as general anesthesia, but you're allowed to breathe on your own. I've gone under heavy sedation before, when I had some stomach biopsies taken, so I have a pretty good idea how I'm going to react to the drugs.

Now, I know that any form of HBC slightly increases one's risk of developing blood clots. Going under some form of anesthesia also increases the risk of developing blood clots in the legs, lungs, etc. while you're under. Am I correct in assuming that going on HBC and going under anesthesia at the same time would be a bad idea because of the risk of blood clots? Or is the risk still small enough where the benefits would outweigh the risks? I'm 18 and I don't smoke, if that helps.

I'm perfectly fine with the idea of using just condoms, if the risk is significant.

Also, if it turns out that it is okay to go back on NuvaRing, is it true that you can start it at any time, not necessarily during your period? I've heard that if you're going on BC to keep from getting pregnant, then you should start it during your period, but if you're just going on it to regulate your cycle, then you can start it at any time. It's too late for me to start during my period, but I'll definitely still use condoms whether I go back on BC or not; I just want to make sure I have a period during winter break so I can get my IUD.

Sorry if this is at all difficult to understand - let me know if I need to clarify.