Birth Control Options for Women on Tamoxifen

nem126

Hi All,

I am 32, in the midst of battling invasive BC, and have been told I will eventually be put on Tamoxifen.

Well, interestingly enough, Tamoxifen increases your chances of getting pregnant, and has been simultaneously shown to cause birth defects... great nerve- wrecking combo, huh? So they are telling me I should not get pregnant while I am on this. I've been told I can't take birth control pills anymore because of the estrogen. So, what are my options here? I don't want to rely on condoms or spermicide, as that seems a little risky. I'm married and will only be with my husband. Is an IUD safe? Any other options? Side effects?

Are others in the same boat, and if so, what are you using?

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated ladies!

Moderators

Hi nem126, and welcome to Breastcancer.org!

While you're sure to get some great advice soon here from other members, we wanted to share this page with you from the main Breastcancer.org site, Birth Control After Treatment, which suggests barrier-type contraception is safest.

We hope this helps! Looking forward to hearing more from you soon!

--The Mods

snorkeler

I was in the same situation and got a copper IUD (Paragard). It does not release any hormones, unlike the Mirena IUD. It lasts for 10 years and if I remember correctly is as effective as sterilization. In the beginning I had some heavy periods, but that's the only side effect I had. If your husband feels the strings and it bothers him, your doctor can shorten them for you, but my partner has never mentioned anything about it. I'm very happy with this IUD and I wish it had been available when I was younger. I would have used this instead of being on hormonal contraception for so many years.

nem126

Great- thank you for the info! I was considering the copper IUD but I read some people had nasty side effects so I was hesitant. There aren't a ton of options out there, so it seems like this is definitely the best one.

Are your periods still regular on this? Consistent every month? I have heard others say the same thing about the heavy bleeding, but it sounds like your body got accustomed to it eventually.

snorkeler

My periods are getting lighter and more spaced out, but I think that's mostly because I am 46 years old. I've had the IUD almost 5 years now, and my cycle has usually been around 32-34 days. Lately it's been 45 days or more. The heavy bleeding lasted maybe the first 6 cycles or so and then my body seemed to get adjusted to it.

I've never given birth, so getting the IUD inserted was uncomfortable for a few moments. I would recommend taking some ibuprofen or something beforehand. You can always get it removed if you decide you don't like it. I think it's the best option because it's the most effective non-hormonal method that is completely reversable. A lot of women are getting this IUD; when I got mine my doctor said she feels like all she does now is IUDs.

nem126

Thanks so much for the advice! Looks like the IUD is worth a shot at least. I will plan on taking some mild pain meds when they shove that thing up in me . I've never had children either.