To be annoyed that my GP doesn't want to give me the pill?

[AVirginLitTheCandle]

I realise he's just doing his job and I probably am BU but I just need to vent and hopefully get some advice.

I have taken the pill on and off over the past 11 years with no problems however my dad has suffered two blood clots over the past couple of years. Because of this the GP is now reluctant to prescribe me the pill as he feels it's too risky.

I'm annoyed but now I have no clue what my options are. I have just recently entered a new relationship and I don't want to rely on condoms alone. I had the implant a few years ago and hated it - mood swings, depression, heavy and painful periods, etc. So that's out.

So what does that leave? Mini pill, coil (no thanks!) or injection (which is what GP is pushing me to have). I've read up on the injection previously and it just sounds horrible.

Arrggh, I want my pill, damn it!

I was told as a teenager that I could never consider the pill due to family history of blood clots. I really liked and respected that doctor, and I have taken her advice. YABU I think.

INdigo - but surely that's the same as me? I don't have a blood clotting disorder, or any health issues. So I'm the same as anyone else my age who takes the pill.
It just so happens two family members have had clots but they smoke, drink, overweight, no excercise etc, so yes I don't think my risk is any higher than others.

I also have a grandparent who died of lung cancer, but he smoked a pipe daily for 60 years, so I think it's unlikely I'm prepositioned to lung cancer either.

Seriously, you don't put yourself at risk of a clot.
If you have a family link then you don't risk it, why would you?
Clots can be missed. They're not some little thing.

ind what pill were you on?

What a terrible GP. Trying to prevent you suffering a preventable and potentially fatal illness. FFS. are you surprised that GPS are leaving the profession in droves with attitudes like this. How about "thank you for taking the time to keep me safe"

Both my parents had a stroke and the other a heart attack but I've been able to have the pill and injection but I lead a considerably more health lifestyle than they do, no health problems and not not over weight. It's odd he would refuse you on that basis I would personally see another doctor.

I'm in a similar boat. No one will prescribe me the pill even though it gives me no side effects.

Cezarette gives me non stop bleeding and makes me so emotionally unstable I can't be around people. Basically it stops me from working.

I am currently without any contraception and have no idea what to do should I start a new relationship. I want my pill back too!

underthemoonlight your family history is completely different to the OP's

The thing about a blood test to see if you are prone to blood clots is that we don't have blood tests for all the clotting disorders.

So we know about some clotting disorders and we have tests for them.

But if you come back as not having them it doesn't necessarily mean you are in the clear, especially with your family history as you may have a different clotting disorder we can't yet test for.

So you are actually no further forward.

In your situation I would give up on the combined pill and look at other options.

Also the possibility people are getting confused with pills here wool too. Some people have a history of clot, stroke and still have the pill or injection, because they've been given the mini pill.
(Even though some don't even like prescribing that).

You know, condoms are a very reliable form of contraception if used properly (importantly, from the outset of penetrative sex).

Also with a new partner you are concerned about STIs too (even if neither of you thinks you have one). You wouldn't want to go without condoms I.e. just use the pill unless you've both been tested.

I really don't think they are that much hassle or detract that much from the experience.

what wolpertinger said. a thrombophilia screen can diagnose a clotting tendency but they can't exclude it

the screening could come back back clear only for you too get a clot month or two later.
Screening also can't tell you what type of blood disorder you may have/be at risk of.
There are other factors, you also may simply need your blood monitored frequently to see if there is anything.

lunchbox exactly what 'attitude' did I give my GP?

Oh well I didn't know it couldn't test for all possibilities. So I guess a blood test is out too.

I have an appointment at the FPC next week anyway.

I somehow missed the new relationship aspect - have you both been fully sti screened? If not then it definitely has to be condoms and even then you're not completely protected!

Op even a blood test won't tell you everything (take it from me!).
What about going on the mini pill?

lunch my family nurse did check because of my family history and yes a stroke and heart attack is caused by a clot or blockage so it is very relevant to the thread and find your comment quite odd 😕. My doctor was happy to go ahead and see how I got on.

I am a "mystery clotter" and after 2 hospital stays have been told the only pill I can take is Cerezette.

Ive been pondering the coil but have heard a lot of stories of "if youre lucky theyll inject anasthetic" (which sounds awful!), they "clamp open the cervix" (painful) and "they had to try for half an hour, the person got cervical shock from it, and was sent out to stagger home" - im intrigued by all the posters saying it took seconds! How is that even long enough to dilate your cervix to put it in?

Ive also never had kids, which ive heard makes it more difficult/painful?

How is that even long enough to dilate your cervix to put it in?

Your cervix doesn't really need dilated most of the time - it's open (albeit not very far) for most of the month. It's only really closed when you're pregnant.

It's a very quick procedure. The practitioner uses a positioning tool to move the IUD in with its 'arms' folded down so it is long and narrow, then quickly withdraws the tool so the arms move out into position and it is now T-shaped. The actual insertion takes a few seconds in most cases, although the practitioner will do a brief examination of 3-5 mins beforehand to check positioning of your uterus etc. It can be easier post-kids because your cervix is often open wider.

One of the reasons the appointment to have it done is around 20mins is a) so the practitioner can ensure you understand the procedure beforehand and confirm it's suitable contraception for you, b) because insertion can occasionally trigger nerves that cause a vasovagal response and cause mild faintness so you usually stay lying down for 5mins afterwards. That's why you're advised not to drive yourself to the appointment.

FWIW I've had two IUDs, one pre kids one post. It was pinchy during the few seconds of insertion but no worse. I had mild period-like cramps for 24 hours on both occasions. I love the IUD and it will be my principal form of contraception for the foreseeable.

waves to stormtreader ** high fellow complicated clotter
My one consultant wouldn't even agree cerazette, thankfully my gp did

God don't go near cerazette if you can help it - side effects are HIDEOUS (and I never had side effects on the regular pill)

twixxy just because you had side effects doesn't mean everyone does.
I've been on it ( apart from couple years of being on the combined pill which i had side effects to so opposite to you!) nearly 10 years now and i have no side effects.
Started it At 17/18 up till sometime in late 20's when i switched to combined pill then went back to cerazette.
Love not having to stop taking it and having no periods.
My friends never had no problems either.
No pill will suit everyone.
The combibed pill nearly killed me, but i know that isn't the norm for everyone.

Hope this helps, guidance has changed and this is why your GP is changing his previous advice.
See link below. Page 69.
Thrombo-embolism is a first degree relative is now regarded as risky. If relative was aged less than 45 then it's a UKMEC 3 and If over 45, a UKMEC 2
www.fsrh.org/standards-and-guidance/documents/ukmec-2016/1ukmec-2016-entire-book-single-page-a4.pdf

Have you tried mirena? Small dose hormones lasts for 5 years. Uncomfortable going it admittedly but stroke risk minimal.
Your GP isn't being an arse, they're just doing what is best. Close family member a stroke consultant would ban the pill if he could..