A recent medical warning has raised alarms for millions of women who use a commonly prescribed form of birth control known as the combined oral contraceptive pill.
This warning comes after a new research study revealed a possible link between these contraceptives and a potentially deadly health condition often referred to in medical circles as the “silent killer”—a stroke. The study, which analyzed the effects of combined oral contraceptives containing both estrogen and progestogen, suggests that women who take these pills may be at a significantly higher risk of experiencing an ischemic stroke. Combined oral contraceptives are widely used by women around the world for a variety of reasons, including regulating menstrual cycles, preventing pregnancy, and treating acne.
In the UK alone, it’s estimated that around 3.1 million women take these pills daily, while globally, the number exceeds 400 million according to data from JMIR Public Health and Surveillance as of 2024. These pills work by mimicking the body’s natural hormones and preventing ovulation, effectively stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg each month. While this method of contraception is considered effective and convenient, the new findings suggest that long-term use could have serious implications. One of the most dangerous potential side effects linked to the use of these contraceptives is a stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel in the brain either ruptures or becomes blocked, cutting off blood and oxygen flow to the brain.
Without sufficient oxygen, brain tissue can become permanently damaged within minutes. According to the new research, women who had suffered an ischemic stroke—a type of stroke caused by an obstruction in a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain—were found to be three times more likely to have been using oral contraceptives compared to women who had not experienced a stroke. This risk remained significant even after adjusting for other common risk factors such as smoking, body mass index, and the presence of recurring migraines. The researchers also noted that the risk appears to increase with the estrogen dosage in the contraceptive pill.
They referenced prior studies that found the highest estimates of thrombotic risk occurred during use of estrogen-containing hormonal contraceptives. Despite the findings, experts emphasize that for otherwise healthy women, the likelihood of having a stroke remains very low. However, the increased risk is something medical professionals should not overlook. Dr. Mine Sezgin, a neurologist at Istanbul University and the lead author of the study, stressed the importance of this information for both healthcare providers and patients. She explained that their study confirms previous evidence linking oral contraceptive use to increased stroke risk and should lead to more thorough evaluations of stroke risk in young women, especially those with additional health concerns.
Dr. Sezgin believes that this data should empower doctors and patients to engage in more informed conversations when selecting a contraceptive method. She suggested that a more personalized approach to prescribing birth control could ultimately reduce the risk of stroke in women who are particularly vulnerable. The study’s implications are especially important for those with a family history of stroke, high blood pressure, or other cardiovascular issues, as these factors could further amplify the risk when combined with hormone-based contraceptives. As a result of these findings, more doctors are being encouraged to exercise greater caution when recommending combined oral contraceptives and to thoroughly evaluate each patient’s medical background before prescribing them.
In summary, while the combined oral contraceptive pill remains a popular and largely safe method of birth control for millions of women, this new research serves as a critical reminder that it’s not without potential risks. Women considering this form of contraception are encouraged to consult with their healthcare providers, especially if they have other risk factors for stroke, to ensure they’re making the best decision for their long-term health. As more research emerges, the goal remains clear: to provide safer and more individualized care options for women around the world.
