Crohn's and Birth control question

[mascarim]

Hi guys! So I am on Tri-Sprintec birth control... I also have Crohn's. As of recently I have been flaring although luckily my flares have more pain associated with them than diarrhea. With that being said I still do have SOME diarrhea but it is not extremely bad. Maybe 2 or 3 times a day tops. I'm wondering if anyone knows how much Crohn's in and of itself affects taking the pill AND if I do occasionally have diarrhea how much that is affecting my pill? My doctors have not said anything about this issue so that's why I'm wondering if i should be okay or if i should be concerned. I certainly don't want to have any kids any time soon lol and any help would really be appreciated.

 

[Holly95]

I have this same issue and still don't understand even though I have asked my doctor before. Personally I would take extra precautions if you are relying just on your pill for contraception, you can never be too careful
If your on it mainly for period control I would stock up on pain killers just in case, I had to have my pill changed because my period pain is about as bad as my Crohns pain and can last for 3 weeks straight, and my normal pill just wasn't cutting it.

 

[mascarim]

I'm just worried now because recently the ONLY method we used was the pill. Usually he just "pulls out" and I'm not worried. But now my anxiety is totally getting the best of me. I've been on it for 2 years and never even thought of this problem until now. I'm tryign to research it and some sites say only diarrhea is what would affect the pill but others say having Crohn's in the small intestine (which I do) affects absorption of the pill. :[ I'm totally lost and definitely spazzing out :/ Which is not helping my stomach xD

 

[Holly95]

Well, in that case I would say take a test if it's about the right time to be able to take one. But I've been there done that before several times (all for nothing!) so as stupid as it sounds, try not to stress too much, because whats the point in stressing and making yourself sick over something that you can find out quite easily by just taking a test

 

[mascarim]

It's only been about a week so I have to wait 2 more :/ I mean I am not too worried because i had my period right after it happened. But seeing all these things saying Crohn's can reduce how well the pill works is freaking me out

 

[Holly95]

Oh shoot if you've had your period since then I wouldn't worry about it, but if it makes you feel better you can always take a test a bit later on
Yeah that freaks me out too, but I've been with my bf since I was 14, I'm almost 19 now and no babies yet! -Though we are pretty good about using extra methods of protection!
I would just stick to using extra methods, that way your not going to stress yourself out, and less stress is best right?

 

[mascarim]

I literally got it 3 hours after it happened :O I'm almost thinking about changing o the patch or something. but I don't know if I have to/should or not :/ I mean my GYN knows I have Crohn's and my GI knows I'm on the pill but the only time either of them ever told me to use backups besides the pill was when I needed antibiotics And condoms just bug me xD Darn Crohn's! Always got to make normal things confusing lol

 

[Holly95]

Don't freak out unless you miss your next period then but keep in mind if your stressing about it then that can change your cycle and you could end up on freak out street for no good reason
You should be alright then if both docs know about everything and have only mentioned antibiotics. for me personally, I know my pill isn't working when I suddenly get period cramps at the wrong time of the month, that's only happened once and I wasn't well enough to do the deed anyway haha.
Just keeps life that little bit more interesting I think

 

[mascarim]

I am still slightly concerned today I talked to my OBGYN and she did not think it was a big issue that my Crohn's was in my small intestine and didn't think having diarrhea a few times a day would affect the pill especially since I have had no spotting and the pill perfectly regulated my cycle I know she knows that I had part of my small intestine removed too but also didn't seemed concerned. I actually almost switched to the patch but the more I thought about the risk of blood clots the more worried about it I got and decided to stay on the pill. It seem like every doctor, nurse and pharmacy technician I had talked to either had no idea or didn't think it was a big deal or that the risk of pregnancy was any higher :O So confused.

 

[Snickerdoodle]

I've been on the pill now for over 5 years with Crohns and have not gotten pregnant. Diarrhea is my middle name. I think once you have found something that regulates your cycle, all that's necessary is that you regularly take your pill and it should do its job.