Drug companies learned early on that oral contraceptives increase the risk of clot formation. In an effort to reduce this risk, the drug companies experimented with different combinations and strengths of the chemical components of these so-called “combined oral contraceptives.” The BMJ article points out that, despite these efforts, the risk of clot formation currently increases from 2 to 6 times in patients using oral contraception. The average increase in risk is four-fold, according to the study. However, the risk may be even greater than that since “[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][o]nly about 30% of patients with clinical symptoms of (clots) are diagnosed with (clot formation).”
In summary, “all combined oral contraceptives increase the risk of (blood clots.)” A safe alternative is a levonorgestrel intrauterine device (IUD), which does not increase the risk for blood clots. We successfully handled a case of a young woman who experienced a CVA related to prescription birth control pills. In that case, the allegations of medical malpractice arose out of the fact that the woman was prescribed an excessive dose when she had other risk factors for stroke that compounded the risk, including hypertension, obesity and smoking. The ensuing lawsuit resulted in settlement.
