Blood clot concern with contraception, post chemo

[agrosjean]

Hello,

I'm a 28 year old female. 3 years ago I finished chemotherapy treatment for Hodgkin's Lymphoma. At the end of treatment, a clot was discovered and determined to be a result of my portacath.

I stopped using birth control when I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's. Now I would like to return to using birth control. I understand that birth control increases blood clot risk - however since my clot was associated with the portacath, am I low risk? I've asked this question of both my family doctor and my oncologist and they don't seem to think it's a concern. It's a unique situation though and I'd like another opinion.

If I developed a clot once (regardless of cause), am I not automatically at higher risk for clotting?

[Debbie Miller, RN]

Hello,
Having a history of blood clots, regardless of the cause, does increase your risk. There is some reason you developed a clot when millions of others with the same situation do not. You could be prone to developing them, then once you get a stimulus (the catheter, oral contraceptives, etc.) you may do it again. I would stay away from this form of birth control. Perhaps an IUD could be considered? It is a decision to be made between you and your doctor but I would opt out.

Let me know if you have other questions but this is my opinion.

Best wishes.