What are the risks of taking the birth pill?
The early combined oral contraceptive pills contained 150 mg of the oestrogen mestranol together with norethynodrel which is a progestogen. The first report of thromboembolism (a blood clot forming in a vein within the leg or pelvis and then travelling to the lungs) in association with the combined oral contraceptive pill came soon after the combined oral contraceptive pills were introduced. The pharmaceutical industry has made enormous efforts to reduce the risks associated with the oral contraceptive pills whilst maintaining their contraceptive effectiveness. Essentially there have been two avenues that have been explored. Firstly, the amount of oestrogen in the combined oral contraceptive pill has been reduced and secondly newer progestogens have been developed.
The oestrogen in the combined oral contraceptive pill reduces LH and FSH production and therefore suppresses follicular development and ovulation (Q 2.3). There has been concern that reducing the amount of oestrogen in the combined oral contraceptive pills could lead to contraceptive failure. Over the years it has been found that the lowest dose of oestrogen that remains effective is much lower than originally contemplated. The original 150 mg was reduced to 100mg then 50mg. The majority of pills prescribed today have less than 50mg of ethinyl oestradiol and two have just 20mg (Loestrin 20 – Parke Davis; Mercilon – Organon). At this level, the oestrogen content is only a little more than that found in hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT does not suppress follicular development or ovulation and it therefore follows that the 20mg oestrogen pills will be the minimum effective dose.
Mortality risks are negligible.
Related Medical Abstracts - Click on the paper title:-
- Use of oral contraceptives and mortality during 14 years' follow-up of Norwegian women. (2006-01)
- Myocardial infarction and third generation oral contraceptives: aggregation of recent studies. (2002-01)
- The third generation pill controversy (2001-01)
- Third generation oral contraceptives and risk of venous thrombosis: meta-analysis. (2001-02)
- Third generation oral contraceptives and risk of venous thrombosis: meta-analysis.(2001-03)
- Recurrent use of newer oral contraceptives and the risk of venous thromboembolism. (2000-01)
- Mortality among oral contraceptive users: 20 year follow up of women in a cohort study (1989-01)
Please click on the required question.
- 1 What is an oral contraceptive?
- 2 How popular are oral contraceptive pills?
- 3 What are the benefits of the combined oral contraceptive pill?
- 4 Will the combined oral contraceptive pill improve my periods?
- 5 Could the combined oral contraceptive pill change my libido (sex drive)
- 6 What are the risks of taking combined oral contraceptive pills?
- 7 What side effects could I have whilst taking the combined oral contraceptive pill?
- 8 What is the effect of the combined oral contraceptive pill on body weight?
- 9 Will the combined oral contraceptive pill increase my vaginal discharge?
- 10 Does the combined oral contraceptive pill increase the chance of pelvic infections?
- 11 What is the relationship between the combined oral contraceptive pill and fibroids?
- 12 Could a combined oral contraceptive pill increase my blood pressure?
- 13 Do combined oral contraceptive pills have any effect on the blood?
- 14 What is the relationship between the combined oral contraceptive pill and thromboembolism?
- 15 What is the relationship between the combined oral contraceptive pill and heart attacks?
- 16 What is the relationship between the combined oral contraceptive pill and strokes?
- 17 Does the combined oral contraceptive pill affect the breasts?
- 18 Could I feel depressed as a result of taking the combined oral contraceptive pill?
- 19 What is the relationship between the combined oral contraceptive pill and cancer of the ovary?
- 20 What is the relationship between the combined oral contraceptive pill and cancer of the uterus?
- 21 What is the relationship between the combined oral contraceptive pill and cancer of the cervix?
- 22 What is the relationship between the combined oral contraceptive pill and cancer of the breast?
- 23 Family Planning Support Groups.
- 24 Support Groups.
Thank you for choosing to visit us.
This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Whipps Cross University Hospital, London - Specialist Interests - Reproductive Medicine including Infertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause and HRT.
I do hope that you find the answers to your women's health questions in the patient information and medical advice provided.
