You may be worried about a recent warning on the risks of taking the combined contraceptive pill. It is very sad to see two young women in Aotearoa NZ died in 2021 from a blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolism) due to unknown hereditary (familial) medical conditions.
The contraceptive pill increases the risk of blood clots, but for most people this risk is tiny. It is important to have a thorough assessment with your health provider to make sure the pill is the right choice and safe for you.
The risks of blood clots (Deep Vein Thrombosis DVT) are low for most people, but they can happen for women/wāhine+ when they are not using oral contraceptives. For every 10,000 women aged 15-44 who are not taking the pill, approximately 1-2 will develop a blood clot in one year.
Taking a combined oral contraceptive pill increases this very small risk of developing a clot between 3x and 8x depending on the type of pill. (There is a 10x increase of developing a clot during pregnancy). If a close family member gets a blood clot, tell your health provider as this may increase your chance of a blood clot.
If you are using a progestogen-only pill, you are at little or no increased risk of blood clots.
Find out more about the contraceptive pill on our website or to find out what other contraception options are available.
#contraceptivepill #contraception #contraceptionrisks #contraceptionFAQS #protectedandproud
