Hi, I am going to go back on my contraceptive and was just wondering if anyone knows if this affects m.s negatively. I have been on one for ages and never had any problems but just thought I would ask people’s opinions as its something I had not questioned. And I’m sure I read somewhere that hormone contraceptive can cause or effect m.s? Opinions please. Thanks very much in advance. I’d have been lost without you lot this last couple of weeks x x x
Hi Lisa,
There’s nothing to suggest the pill is bad for MS, and, in my case, it certainly helps.
For years, I’d been putting up with what I assumed were “really bad periods”, without ever realising I was ill. Then I was diagnosed, and finally realised I was not OK. Although I didn’t directly connect the two, one of the first things I did was ask the doctor for help with the painful periods, as I reasoned that although MS couldn’t be cured, there was no reason to live with other things being any harder than they really had to, and I might be able to sort out the bad monthlies.
So I went on the pill. Instant improvement! Not only not having them so often (my cycle had shortened to three weekly), but not feeling rubbish for a whole week, with all my usual aches and pains doubled.
Only after this did I discover that many women report their MS is worse at that time of their cycle - probably due to a rise in body temperature. So what I’d dismissed as really bad periods were probably flare-ups (pseudo relapses) of my underlying MS, which was why I was feeling so cr@p every time.
So for me, the pill was definitely the way to go. I had to be a bit careful, as I’m older, so my doctor only wants me to take the low dose mini-pill. And I have to have my blood-pressure checked at least annually. But it’s a small price to pay for not feeling so awful every month (or every three weeks, in my case).
Tina
x
I’ve been using the Mirena coil for the last eight years. This is a coil which releases hormones, so you get a similar effect to the pill but one coil lasts for five years. My periods are now very light. With the coil, you have it fitted, forget about it and you don’t have to remember to take a pill or worry that the pill is not effective because you’ve had vomitting or other upset stomach.
Worth checking with the pharmacist if you are on modafinil for fatigue - it can reduce the effectiveness of some sorts of contraceptive pill.
Alison
Hi hun. Can I take it from your post, that you have
made that decision, which was troubling you so much?
luv Pollx
I hope you don’t mind Lisa but while you have bought up this subject i would like to ask if anyone has tried the implant that you can have put in your arm? I think its for 3 years.
I don’t always react well to meds and was interested to know if anyone has had any negative issues with this.
Thankyou and sorry for butting in Lisa.
Best wishes
Teresa.x
No problem Hun, hope you get the advice you need x
Hi Teresa, I’ve had the implant since March 2012 and I think it’s great. I was dx with RRMS in October 2012 and checked with the ms nurse to see if it could make the relapses worse but she said it shouldn’t be a problem. It lasts for 3 years and I find it better then the pill, although some people can put on weight (the same as the pill) It can stop your periods and it can take awhile to get used to a match stick sized item in your arm but otherwise I haven’t had any issues. Hope this helps Em
Thankyou Em.
What i really need is my hubby to offer to have the snip! …but he aint that keen!
Teresa.x
Teresa You could always offer the two bricks option 
lol xx
I have the implant and it hasn’t affected my ms at all I’ve had it 3 years in may, due to come out! I do get irregular bleeding which is very light but can be a pain! I would rather hubby had the snip too but he won’t!
Thanks bambi/sheena.
I feel like iv’e been through enough. 2 children (was very sick for 9 months both times). Then to collapse after my second child and then mri/lumber/evoked potential tests followed by dx of ms. Then all the stuff that comes with ms. I don’t want to be sterilised as well!
I am lucky to have 2 lovely kids but don’t want any more. The irregular bleeding with the implant puts me off the implant slightly. Was not aware of this - thanks,
The two bricks option is looking very tempting! LOL!!!
Perhaps a sex ban will encourage hubby to have the snip!!
Teresa.x
Also have the mire a coil and have found it to be very good x
Haha…this conversation is getting funny. I’ve suggested the snip to my hubbie, so far I cannot persuade him however the two bricks tactic may work. For now the pill it is however he will have his bits cut one way or the other haha x
I am on the Injection which i have been on for 4 years and not had a period in that time and not affected my ms as far as i know.