Oral contraceptives are the most common form of hormonal birth control in the United States, and while research shows that they are safe and effective, the pill can carry risks like any other prescription medication.
The common risk factor for any form of hormonal birth control, including the pill, patch or ring, is the hormone estrogen, which increases the risk of dangerous blood clots, especially in women with a clotting disorder, a previous blood clot, or a family history of blood clots.
Some of the newer hormonal birth control pills poses a greater blood clot risk than the older oral hormonal contraceptives, and the use of hormonal birth control patches and rings poses an even greater blood clot risk.
It is important for women to know their risks of blood clots, and to understand their options for birth control.
In recognition of National Women’s Health Week, the National Blood Clot Alliance is partnering with the Alexandra L. Rowan Memorial Foundation to provide women with this essential information by encouraging them to go to www.womenandbloodclots.org.
On the Resources Page, women will find a risk assessment tool to help them determine, along with their doctor, their risk of blood clots, and also their best contraception options.