A new medical study warns that combined oral contraceptives, a common birth control pill containing both estrogen and progestogen, may raise the risk of ischemic stroke, sometimes known as the “silent killer.” Ischemic strokes happen when blood flow to the brain is blocked, causing serious damage. This study shows women who have strokes are more frequent users of these contraceptives compared to women without strokes.
Around 3.1 million women in the UK and over 400 million worldwide rely on these pills for birth control, menstrual regulation, or other health reasons. Despite their convenience and effectiveness, long-term use with certain estrogen levels can increase blood clotting risks that contribute to strokes.
Lead researcher Dr. Mine Sezgin highlights the importance of evaluating each woman’s medical history and risk factors like hypertension or migraine to make safer contraceptive recommendations.
This study does not suggest that all women should stop using the pill but rather encourages informed choices and closer monitoring to protect women’s health.
