Dispelling Birth Control Myths
You may have heard the news lately that taking Yaz or Yasmin increases your risk of developing a blood clot or stroke. The reality is that taking any birth control pill (BCP) increases your risk. Blood clots are the most serious risk that is increased by taking BCPs, but fortunately they are very rare events.
The risk of having a blood clot or stroke is 1 in 10,000 in the general population. In a study published by the British Medical Journal this year, the risk increases to 3.6-7.3 in 10,000 with BCP use. Pills containing levonorgestrel such as Seasonale/Seasonique and Alesse have a risk of 3.6 per 10,000; those containing desogestrel such as Desogen, Mircette and Orthocept have a risk of 7.3 per 10,000; and drospirenone birth control pills such as Yaz or Yasmin have a risk of 6.3 per 10,000. The risk of getting a clot while taking BCPs is 3.6 to 7.3 times higher than if a person is taking no BCPs, but it is important to remember that the the risk of developing a clot during a normal pregnancy is even higher than when using BCPs. Women who have a normal pregnancy have a rate of blood clots of 8-10 per 10,000.
When looking at the risk, also take into account the benefits of being on BCPs. In addition to preventing pregnancy, BCP cause lighter periods, less cramping, less acne and hair growth, fewer ovarian cysts, decreased PMS, and lower risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer.
Not all pills are tolerated well by all patients. Although clotting risk needs to be considered when prescribing a pill, the overall response to the pill is important. If you have tried other pills and are happy with your current pill, stick with it. You can decrease your risk of getting a clot by not smoking and maintaining a healthy weight.
Some women fear that BCPs will cause other problems like cancer or infertility. Actually, BCPs help to prevent ovarian and endometrial cancers and they do not increase the risk of breast cancer. They do not cause infertility and can actually help preserve fertility by decreasing the risk of endometriosis and ovarian cysts.
If you have concerns about whether or not you are a good candidate for using the pill, make an appointment with your doctor who will review your family history, your health habits, your current symptoms, and your fertility goals and timing to help you decide if BCPs are right for you.
Tags: birth control pills, blood clots, Yaz