Alesse- what's wrong with smoking, etc?

[jenn772]

I have heard from my doctor that while being on birth control that smoking is dangerous to your health. Unfortunately members of my family smoke and I'm curious to actually what it is that is dangerous, and whether its not just cigarettes or maybe marijuana use that will do it as well. I'm concerned I've been breathing in second hand smoke that may not be the healthiest thing!
Thank you,
Jenn

[SDteacher]

Haven't you heard, smoking is bad for you.  It is even worse if it is second hand because it is not filtered!  Now they are making connections between smoking and cervical cancer!  I would stay away from smoking altogether.  Think of your future.  If smoking helps you to relax.... take up accupuncture and yoga.

[msniki412]

I don't think she said she smokes though, she just wanted know something....

[jenn772]

Don't worry, I don't smoke and never have actually, I was always told by my doctor is was bad while on birth control and never felt like it.
But I was wondering what the interaction was between birth control and smoking and birth control and marijuana smoke. that's all!

[NahNah]

I don't know about the effects of marijuana, but cigarettes cause blood vessels to constrict. When on birth control, you have a risk for strokes and blood clots. Well having constricted blood vessels puts you at even higher risk for these. Most of the time these things don't happen.
Also I cigaretts can cause abnormal paps. That is the only explanation for mine for the past 1 1/2 yrs. 2 colposcopies w/biopsy came back negative. Before my first negative I moved into a house with 3 chain smokers. Disgusting when you don't smoke, but don't have too much of a choice.

[jenn772]

Thanks so much for clearing that up
I always assumed that it was one of those things they warned you about, but just to be on the safe side I never did anyways!

[free spirit]

Read the package insert next time.  It's full of information.  And ditto above poster.  Smoking + BCPs = much higher risk of stroke.