A recent study has raised serious concerns about the combined oral contraceptive pill, a widely used birth control method containing both estrogen and progestogen. Researchers found that women taking these pills may face a significantly higher risk of ischemic stroke, a dangerous condition sometimes called the “silent killer.” This type of stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain becomes blocked, cutting off essential oxygen and blood flow, which can cause permanent damage.
In the UK alone, around 3.1 million women rely on the combined pill daily, with more than 400 million users worldwide. While these contraceptives are effective for preventing pregnancy and managing menstrual cycles, the study shows that long-term use carries increased health risks. Women who had experienced an ischemic stroke were three times more likely to have taken combined oral contraceptives than those who had not, even after accounting for smoking, body weight, and migraines.
The risk appears linked to the estrogen dosage in the pill, with higher levels associated with greater thrombotic risks. Experts stress that although healthy women have a low overall chance of stroke, this increased risk deserves careful consideration. Dr. Mine Sezgin, the study’s lead neurologist, emphasizes that patients and doctors should carefully evaluate individual risk factors, especially in women with family history of stroke, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular conditions.
This new research urges a more personalized approach to prescribing birth control, ensuring women understand both benefits and potential hazards, and encouraging thorough medical review before choosing the combined pill.
