Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Birth Control Effectiveness

steph1284

Recommended Posts

steph1284 Newbie
steph1284
Posted

I have read on several sites that the effectiveness of birth control can be decreased if you have celiac disease. I have been diagnosed for over two years now and my doctor (OBGYN) has never said anything to me. She knows that I have this and has never discussed the possibility that it may reduce the effectiveness of the pill. Has anyone a conversation with their doctor in which they were given a straight answer? I have a call in to my doctor, of course, but unfortunately with my busy schedule we are playing phone tag so I thought I would try here and hope that someone had some answers. Thanks so much! This thing is amazing.....I only just discovered it and I have already learned so much!

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Felidae Enthusiast
Felidae
Posted

Personally, I have been on the pill for over 10 years and I have never had any problems so to speak. It's worked great for me.

frenchiemama Collaborator
frenchiemama
Posted

If you read the package insert that comes with your pills you will see that it says you should use back up if you have a lot of vomitting or D, maybe that is the reason? I would think that once going gluten-free and healing the effectiveness would be the same as that of a non-celiac.

mookie03 Contributor
mookie03
Posted

I have discussed this with my doctor b/c i had a problem w/ absorption while on the pill and before gluten-free. Essentially it can cause problems (certainly did for me!) most likely due to the D as someone mentioned. BUT if you are on a gluten-free diet, you should be fine, i would just make sure that if you are using it for BC, use a second form (e.g. condom) during any month where you are glutened.

jenvan Collaborator
jenvan
Posted

It absolutely can be affected, if you still have villous atrophy or absorption problems and are not on a strict gluten-free diet. However, absorption should technically return to normal after the gluten-free diet (for a period of time). I switched to the nuvaring b/c of that reason (and also b/c of lower levels of hormones than oral contraceptives).

TCA Contributor
TCA
Posted

WOW! I never thought of this. I've gotten pregnant twice on the pill, but I never thought of this. I wasn't gluten-free at the time, didn't even know what celiac disease was. Now it makes sense. I thought I was just blessed with not having to plan my pregnancies. :P

natalunia Rookie
natalunia
Posted

I got on Nuvaring for 3 reasons: because of the chronic diarrhea/vomiting, because I bleed like a stuck pig during that time of the month (I use Nuvaring continuously because of the extreme bleeding), and I was forgetting to take my pills for anywhere for 1-4 days at a time (could brain fog have contributed to that?). I love the Nuvaring. It has been the best BC method for me. It's easy to put in and easy to forget it is there. I have to use the reminder stickers to remind me to put a new one in!

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


jenvan Collaborator
jenvan
Posted

Natalie-

I like those stickers too :)

penguin Community Regular
penguin
Posted

Someone tell me how to convince my husband that the Nuva Ring is a good thing? I don't start it until Sunday, but he doesn't think it'll work, or that he'll feel it, or that it will fall out. I've explained it to him six ways from Sunday and he's still against it. I was thinking of putting it in a few days early and then, erm, proving he couldn't feel it, and tell him after the fact. I'm switching from Kariva, so I don't have to use a backup.

You know the irony of him not thinking the little plastic ring that gives off medication through the skin? His area of research is POLYMERS AND DRUG DELIVERY!!! He studies how medicines get in and out of plastic. :rolleyes: I thought he'd think it was pretty cool. :unsure:

Guest Robbin
Guest Robbin
Posted
Someone tell me how to convince my husband that the Nuva Ring is a good thing? I don't start it until Sunday, but he doesn't think it'll work, or that he'll feel it, or that it will fall out. I've explained it to him six ways from Sunday and he's still against it. I was thinking of putting it in a few days early and then, erm, proving he couldn't feel it, and tell him after the fact. I'm switching from Kariva, so I don't have to use a backup.

You know the irony of him not thinking the little plastic ring that gives off medication through the skin? His area of research is POLYMERS AND DRUG DELIVERY!!! He studies how medicines get in and out of plastic. :rolleyes: I thought he'd think it was pretty cool. :unsure:

Chelse-In men, the worries over certain bodily functions take over brain cell activity. :blink:

jenvan Collaborator
jenvan
Posted

First off, remind him its your body :) And that it is no biggie. I have several friends who use it and all of them, including myself, have no issues with the ring and sex. Don't notice it on either end... :) It may take a few times to figure out how you are putting it in, but it stays in there pretty darn good... Good luck, hope everything goes smoothly!! I love it...

eleep Enthusiast
eleep
Posted

This sounds interesting -- the thing I'm concerned about with the ring is whether it could increase my chances of getting regular UTI's -- which the diaphragm definitely did (I HATED the diaphragm) -- anyone got any experience with this?

jenvan Collaborator
jenvan
Posted
This sounds interesting -- the thing I'm concerned about with the ring is whether it could increase my chances of getting regular UTI's -- which the diaphragm definitely did (I HATED the diaphragm) -- anyone got any experience with this?

I haven't heard of that issue with the nuvaring. Not sure why the diaphragm would--perhaps transfer of bacteria?? Anywho, I do not think the nuvaring should cause that problem for you. There is a 'risk' of vaginal infections, but I don't know anyone who has had any issue using it.

natalunia Rookie
natalunia
Posted

I've had no increase in UTI, hubby definitely can't feel it, and I say go for it putting it in a few days early to prove your point.

My doctor told me the hormones are released at the normal rate for 35 days, then fade greatly after that point. He instructed me to wear it for every 33-35 days then change it out. I don't have a period because of that. If I do choose to have a period, mine are always 9-14 days (on any BC or not), so that is why we do the continual hormones. My endometriosis seems to be in check now with this method.

eleep Enthusiast
eleep
Posted
I haven't heard of that issue with the nuvaring. Not sure why the diaphragm would--perhaps transfer of bacteria?? Anywho, I do not think the nuvaring should cause that problem for you. There is a 'risk' of vaginal infections, but I don't know anyone who has had any issue using it.

The diaphragm has to be inserted every time you have intercourse -- with a dollop of spermacidal jelly -- the jelly has to be reapplied with a plunger-thing if you're going to have intercourse more than once -- and the whole thing has to stay in for two hours afterwards. I always tried to be very careful with handwashing and disinfecting of diaphragm and plunger-thing, but inevitably I'd get a UTI every other month or so.

It was a mess -- and I think I'm the only one among my cohort of friends who's ever used one (I'd had a severely bad reaction to OrthoNovum 777 which scared me off of the pill during a two-year relationship) -- when the mini-pill came out, I switched over and I've never looked back since. However, I'm intrigued by this ring and the new IUD.

jenvan Collaborator
jenvan
Posted

Erica-

Yeah, that kind of bacteria transfer was my one guess.... Perhaps the diaphragm materials were just irritating to you also.... I think the nuvaring would definitely be worth a try!

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. xxnonamexx
      - xxnonamexx posted a topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      0

      FDA looking for input on Celiac Gluten sensitivity labeling PLEASE READ and submit your suggestions

      Please read: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-takes-steps-improve-gluten-ingredient-disclosure-foods?fbclid=IwY2xjawPeXhJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFzaDc3NWRaYzlJOFJ4R0Fic3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrwuSsw8Be7VNGOrKKWFVbrjmf59SGht05nIALwnjQ0DoGkDDK1doRBDzeeX_aem_GZcRcbhisMTyFUp3YMUU9Q
    2. cristiana
      - cristiana replied to Atl222's topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      2

      Increased intraepithelial lymphocytes after 10 yrs gluten-free

      Hi @Atl222 As @trents points out, there could be many reasons for this biopsy result. I am interested to know, is your gastroenterologist concerned? Also, are your blood tests showing steady improvement over the years? I remember when I had my last biopsy, several years after diagnosis, mine came back with with raised lymphocytes but no villous...
    3. trents
      - trents replied to Atl222's topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      2

      Increased intraepithelial lymphocytes after 10 yrs gluten-free

      Welcome to the celiac.com community, @Atl222! Yes, your increased lymphocytes could be in response to oats or it could possibly be cross contamination from gluten that is getting into your diet from some unexpected source but not enough to damage the villi. And I'm certain that increased lymphocytes can be caused by other things besides celiac disease...
    4. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to Aretaeus Cappadocia's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      1

      Brown Rice Vinegar (organic) from Eden Foods is likely gluten free

      This is a solid, well-reasoned approach. You’re right that “koji” by itself doesn’t indicate gluten status, and the risk really does come down to which grain is used to culture it. The fact that you directly contacted Eden Foods and received a clear statement that their koji is made from rice only, with no wheat or barley, is meaningful due diligence—especia...
    5. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to wellthatsfun's topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      1

      nothing has changed

      Seven months can still be early in celiac healing, especially if you were mostly asymptomatic to begin with—symptoms like low iron, vitamin D deficiency, nail changes, and hair issues often take much longer to improve because the gut needs time to recover before absorption normalizes. A tTG-IgA of 69 is not “low” in terms of immune activity, and it can t...
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,193
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Loiswxm333
    Newest Member
    Loiswxm333
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.6k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • xxnonamexx
      FDA looking for input on Celiac Gluten sensitivity labeling PLEASE READ and submit your suggestions

      By xxnonamexx · Posted

      Please read: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-takes-steps-improve-gluten-ingredient-disclosure-foods?fbclid=IwY2xjawPeXhJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFzaDc3NWRaYzlJOFJ4R0Fic3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrwuSsw8Be7VNGOrKKWFVbrjmf59SGht05nIALwnjQ0DoGkDDK1doRBDzeeX_aem_GZcRcbhisMTyFUp3YMUU9Q
    • cristiana
      Increased intraepithelial lymphocytes after 10 yrs gluten-free

      By cristiana · Posted

      Hi @Atl222 As @trents points out, there could be many reasons for this biopsy result.  I am interested to know, is your gastroenterologist concerned?  Also, are your blood tests showing steady improvement over the years? I remember when I had my last biopsy, several years after diagnosis, mine came back with with raised lymphocytes but no villous damage, too! In my own case, my consultant wasn't remotely concerned - in fact, he said I might still get this result even if all I ever did was eat nothing but rice and water.   My coeliac blood tests were still steadily improving, albeit slowly, which was reassuring.
    • trents
      Increased intraepithelial lymphocytes after 10 yrs gluten-free

      By trents · Posted

      Welcome to the celiac.com community, @Atl222! Yes, your increased lymphocytes could be in response to oats or it could possibly be cross contamination from gluten that is getting into your diet from some unexpected source but not enough to damage the villi. And I'm certain that increased lymphocytes can be caused by other things besides celiac disease or gluten/oats exposure. See attachment. But you might try eliminating oats to start with and possibly dairy for a few months and then seek another endoscopy/biopsy to see if there was a reduction in lymphocyte counts. 
    • Scott Adams
      Brown Rice Vinegar (organic) from Eden Foods is likely gluten free

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      This is a solid, well-reasoned approach. You’re right that “koji” by itself doesn’t indicate gluten status, and the risk really does come down to which grain is used to culture it. The fact that you directly contacted Eden Foods and received a clear statement that their koji is made from rice only, with no wheat or barley, is meaningful due diligence—especially since Eden has a long-standing reputation for transparency. While the lack of gluten labeling can understandably give pause, manufacturer confirmation like this is often what people rely on for traditionally fermented products. As always, trusting your body after trying it is reasonable, but based on the information you gathered, your conclusion makes sense.
    • Scott Adams
      nothing has changed

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Seven months can still be early in celiac healing, especially if you were mostly asymptomatic to begin with—symptoms like low iron, vitamin D deficiency, nail changes, and hair issues often take much longer to improve because the gut needs time to recover before absorption normalizes. A tTG-IgA of 69 is not “low” in terms of immune activity, and it can take 12–24 months (sometimes longer) for antibodies and the intestinal lining to fully heal, particularly in teens and young adults. Eating gluten again to “test” things isn’t recommended and won’t give you clear answers—it’s far more likely to cause harm than clarity. Weight not changing is also very common in celiac and doesn’t rule anything out. Please know that your frustration and sadness matter; this adjustment is hard, and feeling stuck can really affect mental health. You deserve support, and if you can, reaching out to a GI dietitian or mental health professional familiar with chronic illness could really help you through this phase. This study indicates that a majority of celiacs don't recover until 5 years after diagnosis and starting a gluten-free diet: Mucosal recovery and mortality in adults with celiac disease after treatment with a gluten-free diet However, it's also possible that what the study really shows is the difficulty in maintaining a 100% gluten-free diet. I suspect that if you looked closely at the diets of those who did not recover within 2 years might be that their diets were not 100% gluten-free. Perhaps they ate out more often, or didn't understand all of the hidden ingredients where gluten can hide. Either way, it shows how difficult recovery from celiac disease can be for most people. According to this study: This article explores other causes of flattened villi:    
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.