25 Crore Women Use It! Beware of These Risky Contraceptive Methods

Despite the widespread use of birth control methods, they are not without risks. A recent study from Denmark suggests that hormonal contraceptives, particularly those containing estrogen, may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. The study, which tracked over 2 million women, found that non-oral combined contraceptives, such as vaginal rings and skin patches, posed the highest risk, whereas progestin-only intrauterine systems were considered safer.

250 Million Women Rely on Contraceptives

Do you frequently use emergency contraceptive pills or other hormonal birth control methods? If so, you might want to reconsider your options. Around 250 million women worldwide use hormonal contraceptives. While previous studies have hinted at a potential risk of ischemic stroke and heart attack, the results were often inconsistent.

Recent Findings Highlight Risks

A new Danish study, published in The BMJ, strengthens the argument that estrogen-containing contraceptives pose a heightened cardiovascular risk. The highest risk was associated with vaginal rings and skin patches. While the absolute risk remains relatively low, researchers emphasize the importance of healthcare professionals considering these potential dangers when prescribing contraceptives.

Different Types of Contraceptives and Their Risks

Previous studies lacked comprehensive data on the impact of various hormone combinations, different methods of intake (such as pills, implants, injections, vaginal rings, or skin patches), and the duration of use. To bridge this gap, Danish researchers analyzed national prescription records of over two million women aged 15-49 from 1996 to 2021. The study covered multiple contraceptive types, including combined estrogen-progestin pills, vaginal rings, patches, progestin-only pills, intrauterine devices, subdermal implants, and intramuscular injections.

Who Was Excluded from the Study?

Women with a history of blood clots, cancer, liver or kidney disease, PCOS, endometriosis, or infertility treatments were excluded from the study. Additionally, those who used psychiatric medication, hormone therapy, or had undergone a hysterectomy were not included. The study recorded cases of ischemic stroke and heart attack while also considering other influential factors such as age, education level, and pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.

Assessing the Risk Levels

Combined estrogen-progestin pills, the most commonly used hormonal contraceptive, were linked to a doubled risk of ischemic stroke and heart attack. This translates to one additional stroke per 4,760 women using the pill annually and one additional heart attack per 10,000 women each year.

Progestin-only contraceptives, including pills and implants, carried a slightly elevated risk, but significantly lower than combined pills.

Non-oral combined contraceptives, such as vaginal rings and patches, posed the highest risk:

Vaginal rings increased ischemic stroke risk by 2.4 times and heart attack risk by 3.8 times.

Skin patches increased ischemic stroke risk by 3.4 times.

Safer Contraceptive Options

The progestin-only intrauterine system was the only hormonal contraceptive that did not show an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, making it a safer choice for those concerned about heart health. Additionally, the study found that the duration of contraceptive use did not significantly impact risk levels.

However, as an observational study, these findings cannot conclusively establish cause and effect. The researchers emphasized, "Although the absolute risks are low, doctors should weigh the potential risk of arterial thrombosis when prescribing hormonal contraceptives."

A Growing Concern

Therese Johansson from the Swedish Institute of Technology noted that cardiovascular diseases remain rare, especially in young women. However, given that approximately 248 million women worldwide use hormonal contraceptives daily, the potential side effects are a serious matter for public health. The study highlights the importance of informed decision-making when selecting a contraceptive method.

Read More: Beyond Flowers Meaningful Messages to Send to Every Important Woman in Your Life