It is precisely hormonal contraceptive methods that can present various side effects, such as an increased risk of thrombosis.
Thrombosis arises when clots form inside the blood vessels, which can cause heart attacks.
Although thrombosis rates due to the consumption of oral contraceptives are low and are associated with specific factors, the risk exists and some pills increase it even more.
Why can the birth control pill cause thrombosis?
According to cardiologist Rafael Belo Nunes, from the Alemão Oswaldo Cruz Hospital in Brazil, there is no certainty about the reason for the relationship between contraceptives and the risk of thrombosis.
However, Belo Nunes explains that some studies indicate that oral contraceptives can unbalance the circulatory system, which produces an environment conducive to creating clots, and therefore, an ideal scenario for the emergence of thrombosis.
Gynecologist and obstetrician Élvio Foresti Junior, also from the Alemão Oswaldo Cruz Hospital, states that thrombosis usually occurs in 3 out of every 10,000 people.
However, among women who use pills to prevent conception, the numbers rise to between 5 and 9 events per 10,000 inhabitants.
It is important to know that not all birth control pills increase the risk of thrombosis to the same extent.
Those that show an increase in incidences are those of the «combined» type, which combine estrogen derivatives with another hormone.
Birth control pills that can cause thrombosis
According to doctors, the chance of having thrombosis is small even for those who take birth control. However, women with risk factors should avoid combination pills, which significantly increase the likelihood of developing the disease.
Birth control pills considered combined include the following examples: Selene, Diane, Allestra, Belara, Cycle 21, Level, Stezza, Mercilon, Microvilar and Siblima.
There is also evidence that pills combined with drospirenone increase the chance of thrombosis.
The above is stated in a report published in 2012 by the US government agency Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which analyzed several studies that show the increase in incidences of thrombosis due to the consumption of pills with this substance.
Among the brands that combine their active substances with drospirenone are the renowned Yaz, Yasmin and Elani.
In addition to opting for other contraceptive methods, women who have risk factors can opt for simple pills, also called minipills.
These drugs contain only the hormone progesterone, which usually appears in the form of desogestrel, linestrenol, or norethisterone. Some brands that contain these compounds are Cerazette, Norestin, Juliet and Exluton.
Symptoms of thrombosis
If you present some symptoms such as lack of sensation or paralysis on one side of the body, visual disturbances or difficulty speaking, you need to ask a family member or friend for help to immediately accompany you to the hospital
For your greatest safety, it is always best to consult with your doctor about the best contraceptive method for you, since only a health professional can prescribe the appropriate medication for your body.
