Any BCP's not cause IC flares - Interstitial Cystitis Network Support Forum

Melly · 09-24-2002, 02:07 AM

Hi all,

Busy busy times, that's why I haven't written in a while. Ellen is almost 16 months old and is so busy. Very happy and content, says a few words, but understands a lot more.

A few months ago, I had an ovarian cyst removed, the beginning of endometriosis. The doctor wanted me to take BCP's to control it, but the pill has always caused flares for me.

Just want to know if anyone has had similar experiences with the pill? If so, has anyone actually found a pill that doesn't cause IC flares?

Now I have two conditions to treat. Life is already too much of a balancing act.

Hope everyone is doing well. Good news, I have been on the Elmiron for almost three months, and it seems to be working.

Melanie [img]smile.gif[/img]

NB · 09-24-2002, 10:43 AM

Hi Melanie, i'm Nadia. I've been on Mircette (i think the lowest dose possible of BCPs) and it hasn't caused any flares for me. That is just me though, of course i can't tell you it wouldn't for you.
For alot of women i hear that BCP's actually decrease their symptoms, especially because the periods are a little more tolerable. I know for me i get flares during my period. With Mircette my period is not as long as it used to be. They say that BCP's lessen cramps, i still get bad cramps though. But i've only been on it for four months. <img src="graemlins/hi.gif" border="0" alt="[hi]" />

MelanieJ · 09-30-2002, 07:58 AM

Hi Melanie. [img]smile.gif[/img]
I don't flare with my periods like other ICers do, so I don't think mine is hormonally linked. But I can say that I've been on birth control since 17 and my IC doesn't seem effected by bcp's. I even tried switching brands to see if any impact, positive or negative - nothing, nada. I'm currently on Ortho Tri-Cyclen. I just saw a post on another thread that a few other ICers take the same brand as I and don't have any problems. But we're all so different, it's hard to tell.

I'm so happy Elmiron is working for you!!! [img]biggrin.gif[/img]

Melanie J.

P.S. Did people call you Smelly Melly or Melonhead when you were growing up too? [img]wink.gif[/img] My sister's favorite was Melvin, which drove me totally nuts! LOL!

Kara · 09-30-2002, 11:14 AM

Melly,

I take Alesse. It makes my IC feel better, so much in fact I take it evey day and don't get periods anymore.

I hope you find one that works well for you!

Kara <img src="graemlins/blink.gif" border="0" alt="[blink]" />

snowgirl · 09-30-2002, 12:44 PM

I have been on Lo-esterin for 2-3 years now. This has worked the best for me and I have been on the pill for 11 years first for the endo. now daily for the IC pelvic pain , urgency etc.

Vicky [img]smile.gif[/img]

Cawaggi · 09-30-2002, 01:00 PM

I take Alesse also, and I can tell a big difference. As a matter of fact, when I was sick not long ago and had to take antibiotics, it messed up my pills, and I ovulated, and I just cried because I thought I didn't have to deal with that anymore! I got through that cycle though, and I'm better again. I still have my period each month, and I might be a bit more sensitive during that week, but it's much improved over what I was feeling before the pills.

Melly · 10-09-2002, 05:34 AM

Hi all,

Thanks for your responses. Certainly gives me some possibilities. What an unpredictable disease. When I tried the Yasmine, and it at first it was not causing problems, I thought maybe I now have the upperhand. But IC seems to constantly remind you that's not the case. Seems rather vengeful. Sometimes, I have thought that someone has a voodoo doll of me and is inflicting the pain. Perhaps we're getting too close to Halloween.

Overall, I am very thankful that my IC seems to be improving. And I especially appreciate everyone's input on this topic. I apologize for venting.

Well wishes to all.

Oh as far as name calls. Yes all kinds of problems with mispronounciation, and one particular person would call me melons from way across my high school campus. I am anything but endowed, so it took a while to figure out what he meant. I guess he was just being sarcastic and wanted to watch me turn all red in the face.

Melly

mrm · 10-09-2002, 10:36 AM

My IC doesn't seem to be hormonally linked either but I've tried differet BCP's. I was on Ortho-tricyclen for over a year and I was fine then BAM! my period was lasting three week, stopping for two days and starting again, my skin was an ulcerating mess. I switched to Estrostep, fine at first then same deal. My body is seriously wacked. Anyway I'm now on Ortho Evra (the "patch") working Okay. Anything to take 1 less pill a day. [img]smile.gif[/img]