BRCA+ and birth control

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hannah423
hannah423 Member Posts: 17
edited June 2014 in Genetic Testing

I know being BRCA+ and taking birth control is looked down upon however, i was just curious if anyone else is BRCA+ and takes some sort of birth control. My OBGYN and i have an appointment within the next couple of months but i am just curious as to everyone else's opinions! Thanks a bunch! 

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  • MiniMacsMom
    MiniMacsMom Member Posts: 595
    edited February 2012

    I know that I am BRCA 2+ and I have hormone positive cancer.  I am still in chemo but I was told that once I was post treatment I could use the copper IUD but thats it.  (and not through treatment).  Also, have you asked this on the FORCE (facing your own risk boards)  they are dedicated to hereditary cancer and have many more women who are BRCA +.  Good luck!

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  • racheljoy
    racheljoy Member Posts: 56
    edited February 2012

    Hi Hannah,

    I am 21, BRCA2+, and I have a BMX scheduled for March 13th. My breast surgeon, who is also an OBGYN, knows I am on the NuvaRing for birth control and hasn't said anything alluding to it being an issue.

     I am seeing him for my preop on Monday and I might bring this up to him, since now I'm curious!

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  • hannah423
    hannah423 Member Posts: 17
    edited February 2012

    Thanks guys! I really appreciate it! Rachel, good luck! No one around here (in NY) will even begin to think about performing surgery on me cause i'm only 20 and will be turning 21 in april! But i'm happy that way. I've been with my boyfriend for over two years and we are thinking about marriage and kids within the next 3-6 years. But no kids right now, why i'm asking about birth control! but thanks for you input! I really appreciate it, i have scheduled an appointment with my OBGYN. So, i'm hoping he will help me figure stuff out! And let me know what your OBGYN says! :) 

     Thanks again!  

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  • GC1
    GC1 Member Posts: 16
    edited February 2012

    Hi Hannah,

    In general, being a BRCA carrier is not a contraindication for birth control.  Many forms of birth control can actually reduce the risk for ovarian cancer in high risk women, up to 50% depending on the type of birth control and how long it is used.  The use of birth control for a limited period (i.e. around 10 years) has not been shown to have a significant impact on breast cancer risk.  The benefits really do outweigh the risks, especially for a woman who has a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy (like Rachel mentioned). 

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  • hannah423
    hannah423 Member Posts: 17
    edited February 2012

    Hi GC1,

    See my peditrician put me on birth control when I was 13 knowing what my family history was like (mom a two time survivor, my two aunts both passing away from BC, my aunt; at the time was going  through treatments and both my grandmothers having it as well as all of my great aunts on my mothers side). I NEVER had a problem with my birth control until we saw the commericals for the recalls on the birth control I was taking. And my mother was perfectly okay with me going on birth control due to the fact that i would be sick for weeks on end because of my period. Then when I stopped going to my peditrician and went to my primary care who is holistic she didnt want to put me on birth control due to my family history. Which made me stop getting my period. And after this went on for three years and her referring to me as a 20 year old cancer patient when she found out i was BRCA+ and making me spends hundreds of dollars on vitamins and creams i now refuse to go to her! And am just waiting to go to my OBGYN and show him the information that everyone gives me on her and all of the information that i research. Just would like everyones inputs though! :) Thanks again! All you ladies really mean the world to me! 

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