Birth Control Pills Could Increase Risk of Blood Clots

If you’re one of the 11 million women who takes birth control pills, you’ve probably already heard that they can up your risk for developing a blood clot and other conditions. But if you take a version of the Pill containing newer forms of the hormone progesterone, your risk could be slightly higher, according to a study published by The BMJ.

Researchers from the University of Nottingham wanted to know if different forms of the Pill increased the risk for blood clots, or venous thromboembolism (VTE). Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot that occurs in a vein, usually in the legs. Sometimes these clots dislodge and travel up to arteries in the lungs, causing a potentially fatal blockage, or pulmonary embolism. The combination of these two conditions is VTE.

For the study, the researchers looked at two large UK primary care databases to compare women who suffered from VTE and those who didn’t, and found that women who were taking older forms of oral contraceptives (also called second generation contraceptives) had a 2.5 times increase in risk of clots, while those taking newer forms of the Pill had a 4-5 times increase in risk.

Should You Be Worried?

The authors of the study point out that while these numbers may sound scary, your overall risk is still very low – about 14 per 10,000. In fact, a woman who is pregnant has a higher risk of developing a blood clot than a woman taking a combined oral contraceptive. And for some women, the medical benefits of taking the Pill – treatment of irregular or heavy periods and relief from painful conditions like endometriosis – far outweigh potential harms.

Still, it’s something worth discussing with your primary care physician or OB/GYN. Be open about your medical history and habits so he or she can assess your individual risk for clotting. Smoking, being overweight, a family history of blood clots and being 35 or older can all make you more susceptible to clotting, so your doctor may prescribe the second generation pill or an alternative form of birth control.

Also, be aware that the highest risk of clotting occurs in the first year of going on the Pill. If you experience any of these symptoms, make sure to immediately contact your doctor:

  • Sharp pain in the chest or calf
  • Shortness of breath
  • Coughing of blood
  • Heavy or crushing feeling in the chest
  • Trouble seeing or loss of vision
  • Severe headache or vomiting, dizziness, fainting or speech disturbances
  • Weakness or numbness in the arms or legs
  • Swelling, warmth or redness in the leg
     

 

More On

Are You at Risk for HPV? Find Out Now

article

Are You at Risk for HPV? Find Out Now
The most common sexually transmitted infection can lead to several forms of cancer. Here’s how to protect yourself.
Considering an IUD? Avoid These Myths

article

Considering an IUD? Avoid These Myths
Don’t let fears about pain, infection, and infertility prevent you from getting an IUD. Get the facts.
How Insurance Providers Deny Access to No-Cost Birth Control

article

How Insurance Providers Deny Access to No-Cost Birth Control
If your health insurance provider isn’t providing birth control at no cost, they may be violating a federal law.
Questions to Ask When Starting a New Form of Birth Control

article

Questions to Ask When Starting a New Form of Birth Control
Why staying honest and realistic with yourself and your healthcare provider are key to using any form of birth control.