Ask any young millennial or older Gen Z woman about birth control and there’s a good chance she was put on it at a young age. Many took it for reasons other than pregnancy prevention, such as to help with acne or regulate periods.
It’s incredible that it has become so accessible and gives people more autonomy over their bodies and their reproductive choices, and it has revolution the lives of people with wombs.
Unfortunately, birth control can also have several side effects. More and more people have become aware of the effects that long-term (and sometimes short-term) use of birth control can have.
There are more common side effects such as weight gain, loss of libido, breast pain and spotting between periods, but some side effects are less obvious. Such as the issue of covering up the symptoms of a reproductive health disorder rather than getting to the root of it, or the burden it can have liver.
Another serious complication that may be associated with contraceptive use is an increased risk of stroke. Does birth control really cause strokes? What steps can you take to have autonomy over your reproductive rights without the risk of a scary complication like a stroke?
What is a Stroke?
ONE Stroke is when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, or when something blocks the blood supply to part of the brain. Brain cells begin to die within minutes of being deprived of oxygen, causing damage or death to parts of the brain. Strokes can lead to long-term disability or brain damage and can be fatal in some cases.
There are three different types of strokes:
- Hemorrhagic stroke: It occurs when an artery in the brain breaks or leaks blood, putting pressure on brain cells and damaging them.
- Ischemic stroke: The most common type of stroke is when blood clots or other particles block blood vessels in the brain.
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA): Or a “mini-stroke,” is when blood flow to the brain is blocked for a short period of time, usually 5 minutes or less.
Symptoms of a stroke include:
- Confusion
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Difficulty seeing in one or both eyes
- Numbness or weakness in the arm, leg, or face
- Severe headache with no known cause
- Dizziness or difficulty with balance
- Difficulty walking
All of this information can sound scary and new, especially for younger people who you wouldn’t normally think of as being at risk for stroke.
Contraception and Strokes
So can birth control really cause strokes? Possibly. A study showed that people taking oral contraceptives have a risk of stroke of 8.5 per 100,000 compared with 4.4 per 100,000 for menstruating people not taking hormonal birth control.
Before considering the relationship between strokes and birth control, it is important to understand what different types of birth control are available. Hormonal birth control uses artificial hormones for suppression ovulation and prevent arrest. Progesterone-only pills are sometimes called “mini-pills” and usually cause fewer side effects, however, they may not be as effective. Combination pills use both estrogen and progestin and tend to be more effective, although some people are more sensitive to estrogen.
Earlier studies from 1960 to 1999 showed a 2.75% increased risk of stroke among people taking estrogen birth control. The same studies showed no increased risk of stroke for people taking progestin-only pills.
Subsequent studies from 1980 to 2002 showed a 2.12% lower risk of stroke for people taking combined hormonal birth control. A more recent study from 1995-2009 looked at the risk of stroke among people taking estrogen-containing birth control, including vaginal rings and contraceptive patches. This study found no significant increased risk of stroke.
Other Risk Factors
The risk of stroke while taking hormonal birth control is significantly higher for people who have other risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, and who take higher doses of estrogen. Although the overall risk is low, if birth control contributes to a stroke, it is usually an ischemic stroke.
Another risk factor that can significantly increase someone’s risk of having a stroke is migraines. People who have migraines with auras have a higher risk of having strokes than people without auras. However, people taking combined hormonal birth control who experience migraines, with or without aura, have an even higher risk.
Strokes and Birth Control: What to Remember
Although there is some association between taking hormonal birth control and strokes, overall the risk is low and appears to decrease over time. Part of this may be due to people smoking less, which is also a major risk factor for strokes.
Hormonal birth control offers people greater autonomy and choice about their reproductive rights, but it comes with potential risks and side effects. If you’re not sure which option is right for you, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about yours birth control options.
If you or someone you know is experiencing possible stroke symptoms, it is vital that you call for emergency medical help immediately. It is also important to note the time when symptoms first appeared, as this can help doctors determine treatment. Long-term outcomes for people who have had a stroke depend on how quickly they can get medical attention.
