The Prevalence of Birth Control Blood Clots: Understanding Severity and Exploring Alternatives
Hormonal birth control is effective in preventing pregnancy but can cause some side effects, including blood clots in women.
As per Sage Journals 2022, for every 100,000 women between 15 and 44 years not taking pills, almost 5 to 10 women develop blood clots within one year of taking oral birth control.
Further, this number increases to 3-4 times in women taking the second generation of oral birth control and 6-8 times in women taking the third generation of birth control pills.
This comprehensive article will elaborate on birth control blood clots, their symptoms, causes, and possible alternatives to prevent pregnancy.
Can birth control cause blood clots
Yes, hormonal birth control options can increase the risk of Venous Thrombosis (the blockage of veins due to clots) in women.
The association between birth control and blood clots was first established in the 1960s when the first combined oral contraceptives with Estrogen and Progestin were issued.
As per a study published in Pediatrics, the absolute risk of women on combined contraceptives accounts for three to fivefold.
However, only 0.05% of healthy adolescents have the risk of blood clots on birth control every year.
Moreover, the risk associated with birth control blood clots is comparatively higher in the case of birth control with Estrogen than others with Progestin-only.
Non-hormonal birth control, such as condoms, on the other hand, is less likely to cause birth control-induced blood clots in people.
How does birth control cause blood clots
Birth control blood clots can be caused due to the following factors:
Dosage of Estrogen in the birth control
The first-generation hormonal birth control (the first oral contraceptive pill introduced in 1960) had a high dosage of Estrogen, somewhat 50 micrograms of Mestranol.
However, in consecutive decades, the dosage of Estrogen was substantially reduced, up to 15 to 32 micrograms of Ethinyl Estradiol, due to high rates of estrogenic side effects.
A higher dose of Estrogen can increase the chances of blood clots in the leg, i.e., Deep Vein Thrombosis, and a blood clot in the lung, also called Pulmonary Thrombosis.
Moreover, as per Sage Journals, women taking oral contraceptives containing 50 micrograms of Ethinyl Estradiol have a higher risk for blood clots than pills with low Estrogen doses.
The other types of birth control, such as patches and rings, have a higher risk of blood clots due to higher doses of Estrogen levels.
Further, women using vaginal rings are 1.9 times more likely to develop blood clots, whereas women using patches have a 2.3 times risk of developing birth control blood clots.
Type of Progestin used
While Progestin-only birth control is safe to use and less likely to cause birth control blood clots, when paired with Estrogen in oral pills, it can have an impact.
Furthermore, the types of Progestin used in birth control also play a crucial role in either eliminating or elevating the risk of blood clots.
For example, many clinical reports claimed a higher risk of association between blood clots and birth control, which contains Progestin Desogestrel.
Moreover, the Progestin called Drospirenone, which is present in YAZ or Yasmin, can further elevate the risk of birth control blood lots more than other forms of Progestin.
Birth control blood clots symptoms
Birth control blood clots usually develop in the leg region and can exhibit the following symptoms:
- Swelling in legs
- Tenderness and pain in the legs
- Sudden breathlessness or sharp pain in the chest
- Coughing with blood
- Redness in the skin
- Irregular heartbeat
- Anxiety
- Low blood pressure
- Lighthead or dizziness
Women who are taking anticoagulation should be allowed to take birth control pills since anticoagulants reduce the risk of blood clotting.
How does birth control cause blood clots
According to the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, birth control causes blood clots by changing the normal levels of blood clotting factors and affecting coagulation.
Firstly, Estrogen/Progestin birth control increases the levels of Fibrinogen and the activity of clotting factors VII
and X.
An increase in the Fibrinogen level indicates a dangerous situation and increases the chances of forming blood clots causing harm to the heart and brain.
Consequently, birth control can decrease the coagulation inhibitor thus it cannot cause the inactivation of clotting factors.
Secondly, the activity of platelets is also enhanced by increasing the aggregation.
These consequent changes create a state of hypercoagulability (increased ability of blood clotting), causing an increased risk of blood clotting after taking birth control.
How long does it take for birth control to cause blood clots
Birth control can cause blood clots in women when they have just started taking it.
The first few months to the first year is the crucial time when the body tries to adapt to the new hormonal environment of the body.
These are the times when women develop a higher risk of blood clots.
Risk of blood clots with birth control
The following factors can increase the risk of developing birth control blood clots in women:
- A medical history of blood clots
- Smoking
- Being overweight
- Being unable to move or immobilized
- A medical history of cancer
- Blood disorders
- Surgery
Which birth control has the lowest risk of blood clots
According to the National Women’s Health Network, there are many birth control available for women with a higher risk of blood clots.
These birth control methods do not contain Estrogen and thus can be used safely. These birth control options are as follows:
- Arm implant
- Copper Intrauterine Devices (Cu IUD), such as ParaGard
- Progestin-only pills or mini-pills
- Non-hormonal birth controls, such as condoms and diaphragms
- Emergency contraceptives
Blood clots after stopping birth control
As per the American Society of Hematology, the risk of birth control blood clots can decline tremendously after stopping birth control.
As per the research, the participants in the study showed elevated levels of blood clotting markers, which decreased within one to two weeks after discontinuing birth control.
Further, 80% of participants showed decreased clotting markers within one or two weeks, while 85% of the drop occurred within four weeks after stopping birth control.
Conclusion
Hormonal birth control options can increase the risk of blood clot formation due to high doses of Estrogen and the type of Progestin used.
Birth control blood clots can show some symptoms, such as swelling, pain in the legs, sharp chest pain, and irregular heartbeat.
Blood clots are caused when birth control changes clotting factors, such as increasing coagulatory factors and decreasing inhibition of coagulation.
It usually happens during the first few months and years of taking birth control when the body is still adapting to the hormonal levels.
Further, women with a history of blood clots, blood disorders, being overweight, and cancer are at a higher risk of developing birth control blood clots.
Fortunately, women can use some other birth control options, such as arm implants, Copper IUDs, mini pills, and emergency contraception.
However, if the condition persists, consult a healthcare practitioner to seek medical treatment or stop birth control, which can alleviate the symptoms within one or two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How common are blood clots with birth control?
How common are blood clots with birth control?
Blood clots with birth control are not common. For every 100,000 women between 15 and 44 years of age not taking pills, only 5 to 10 women develop blood clots within one year of taking oral birth control. However, women should seek treatment to avoid complications.
Are blood clots normal after birth control?
Are blood clots normal after birth control?
Blood clots after taking birth control are not normal, as only five to ten women develop birth clots within one year after taking birth control. However, some factors, such as a history of blood clots, being overweight, or having blood disorders, can increase the risk of birth control blood clots.
What are the first signs of a blood clot?
What are the first signs of a blood clot?
The first signs of blood clots due to birth control include swelling, pain in the legs, sudden breathlessness, and sharp chest pain. Further, it can show symptoms such as coughing up blood, irregular heart rate, anxiety, fainting, and low blood pressure. Consult a healthcare practitioner to seek treatment.
How do you reduce blood clots on birth control?
How do you reduce blood clots on birth control?
You can reduce blood clots on birth control by opting for other birth control options without Estrogen. You can use an arm implant, Copper IUD, mini pills, condoms, diaphragm, and emergency contraception without the risk of developing blood clots.
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