Birth control after tnbc? Copper iud?

LillieRose

I'm hoping someone can help me with figuring out safe BC. My oncologist is recommending the Paragard IUD... but I've read about copper being bad for tnbc... they assured me they don't believe that the iud is unsafe. They said it's my only option besides a barrier method. No hormanl birth control ever...

I was lucky to find myself pregnant 2 years after my diagnosis. I conceived naturally and had a strong healthy baby a month ago. I'm only 33 and would like to keep the option open for a 3rd baby someday (I was diagnosed when my first was just 3 months old).

What is everyone using for birth control? I want to make sure it's safe!

Thank you!

Sam0623

LillieRose,

I have only briefly discussed birth control with my OB/GYN, but she agreed no hormones for me either. I am 32, and although I don't plan on having more kids I don't want to completely rule it out forever. Based on my personal opinion, I wouldn't do anything that could potentially increase copper in my body. There was a small trial a couple years ago that they think shows that reducing copper in the body can help prevent metastasis. This hasn't been proven, but me personally, I would avoid it.

LillieRose

thank for your response Sam

Lula73

perhaps the mirena is an option. Yes there's hormones involved but they are not systemic hormones. In fact even in ER/PR+ cancers they are recommending mirena to help protect against uterine cancer that can be caused by the tamoxifen therapy. So if an ER/PR+ patient can use it I would think a TN patient would be able to as well. A lot of times docs hear hormones and BC and just say no without investigating/listening further.

LillieRose

thanks Lula! My oncologist said no to anything besides the copper iud I asked her about that since we are hormone negative. I'm a sure they are annoyed with me by now but i just wanted by to make sure whatever I use is