Birth control potentially leading to blood clot formation?
Hormonal birth control, such as the pill, implant, and IUD, can increase a person's risk for developing a potentially life-threatening blood clot. Here's what you need to know about the risks and factors that may contribute to this increase.
People with certain genetic risk factors, such as genetic blood clotting disorders, may have an increased risk for blood clots. Additionally, those with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, a serious infection, or an autoimmune disease like lupus, may also be at a higher risk.
When it comes to hormonal birth control, several key factors can elevate the risk of blood clots. The use of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) containing estrogen and progesterone increases the risk of thrombosis by about 2 to 3 times compared to not using them. This risk is further increased by obesity, smoking, age over 35, and certain cardiovascular risk factors.
Obesity significantly raises the risk further. Women who are both obese and use COCs face a risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) that is 12 to 24 times higher than non-obese, non-users. Smoking greatly increases clotting risk by damaging blood vessels and making platelets stickier, a risk that compounds with birth control use.
Age over 35 years also raises clot risk, especially when combined with hormonal contraception use. Estimates of the prevalence of blood clots caused by birth control vary, but one 2015 study found a rate of around VTE blood clots per 10,000 women per year for combined birth control users in the United Kingdom.
People with other cardiovascular health risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, or obesity, may also have an increased risk for blood clots. Progestin-only IUDs, such as Mirena, do not significantly increase blood clot risk.
The absolute risk of blood clots is low, with about 1 in 3,000 women taking birth control getting a blood clot in a year. However, it's important to note that the risk may be higher in people who use newer combined contraceptives containing desogestrel, gestodene, or drospirenone, such as Yaz, Yasmin, Safyral, Mircette, and Beyaz.
People who are immobile for long periods, such as during a long flight or after surgery, may also have an increased risk for blood clots. Those who have experienced a leg injury, such as a broken bone, may also be at a higher risk.
People who are concerned about blood clots, have had one before, or have some of the risk factors listed above may prefer to use a nonhormonal form of birth control. Some options for nonhormonal birth control include sterilization, condoms, diaphragms, nonhormonal intrauterine device (IUD), and fertility awareness.
It's crucial to discuss these risks with your healthcare provider to make an informed decision about the birth control that's right for you. If you have any concerns about blood clots or other potential risks associated with hormonal birth control, don't hesitate to speak with your doctor.
- Women using hormonal birth control may have an increased risk for developing thrombosis, a potentially life-threatening blood clot.
- Genetic blood clotting disorders can increase the risk for blood clots in people.
- Those with cancer, serious infection, or autoimmune diseases like lupus may also be at a higher risk.
- Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) containing estrogen and progesterone can increase the risk of thrombosis by 2 to 3 times.
- Obesity significantly raises the risk further in COC users.
- Smoking damages blood vessels and makes platelets stickier, further increasing clotting risk when combined with birth control use.
- Age over 35 years raises clot risk, especially with hormonal contraception use.
- The risk of blood clots caused by birth control varies, but one 2015 study found a rate of VTE blood clots per 10,000 women per year for combined birth control users in the United Kingdom.
- People with cardiovascular health risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, or obesity, may also have an increased risk for blood clots.
- Progestin-only IUDs like Mirena do not significantly increase blood clot risk.
- The absolute risk of blood clots is low, with about 1 in 3,000 women taking birth control getting a blood clot in a year.
- The use of newer combined contraceptives containing desogestrel, gestodene, or drospirenone may heighten the risk.
- People who are immobile for long periods, such as during a long flight or after surgery, may also have an increased risk for blood clots.
- Those who have experienced a leg injury, like a broken bone, may also be at a higher risk for blood clots.
- Nonhormonal forms of birth control, such as sterilization, condoms, diaphragms, nonhormonal intrauterine device (IUD), and fertility awareness, may be preferred by those concerned about blood clots.
- It's essential to discuss these risks with your healthcare provider to make an informed decision about the birth control that's right for you.
- If you have any concerns about blood clots or other potential risks associated with hormonal birth control, don't hesitate to speak with your doctor.
- Women facing other medical-conditions, such as respiratory conditions, eye-health issues, hearing problems, skin-care concerns, or mental-health struggles, may also require special considerations for birth control choices.
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