Published: | Updated:

THE RISK IS VERY SMALL, BUT THE PILL CAN CAUSE BLOOD CLOTS

Contraceptive pills that contain oestrogen may cause blood to clot more easily.

This could lead to a clot in the leg, known as deep vein thrombosis, or in the lung, which is called a pulmonary embolism.

Blood clots can also trigger a heart attack or stroke.

The risk of developing a blood clot from the Pill is 'very small'.

Nonetheless, it is unlikely a doctor will prescribe the contraceptive if a woman has two or more of the following risk factors:

  • Aged 35 or over
  • Smokes or quit in the past year
  • Is very overweight
  • Has migraines or high blood pressure
  • Has had a blood clot or stroke before
  • Had a close relative who developed a clot before 45
  • Has been immobile for a long time, such as wheelchair users

Source: NHS 

Advertisement

Read articles that feature this panel

Student, 22, reveals rare side effect of taking the Pill caused her to develop a potentially fatal blood clot in her lungs that left her in...

Hannah Needham, 22, of Northampton, had been feeling short of breath and dizzy for weeks before she eventually collapsed in March 2017. She...

Women should not worry that taking the contraceptive pill will make them FAT 'because there is no evidence to support the claim'

The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare in London say women of reproductive age tend to gain weight over time - regardless of the...

Woman reveals how she nearly died after her 'hangover' turned out to be a mass of six blood clots on her brain - caused by the contraceptive...

Lucie Edwards, 25, from Solihull, West Midlands, thought she had a hangover after a family party, but it turned out her symptoms were caused...

Contraceptive pills will be sold over-the-counter without a prescription for first time ever as drug watchdog approves plan for two...

British regulators have approved two brands of the Pill - known as Lovima and Hana - to be made available to women of child-bearing age...

Gym fanatic, 22, thought her hip pain was a pulled muscle - but scans revealed blood clots which doctors say were caused by the...

Holly Whitehall, 22, from Nottingham, first felt her left hip aching in October last year, but she just blamed it on going to the gym too...

Most watched News videos