A study of 2 million healthy women ages 15-49 showed some staggering and dangerous data. As many of you know, Denmark is one of the healthiest countries in the world, and this study was done on Danish women. Of women taking estrogen-containing oral birth control pills, the use of anti-inflammatory medication or NSAIDs (think ibuprofen, ketorlac, among others), dramatically increased these women’s incidence of blood clots in the legs and lungs for weeks after use.
What to do? Ask yourself if oral birth control is the right choice. Even without NSAIDs, women on estrogen-containing birth control still have a high risk of blood clots. Ask yourself if the type of birth control is the best choice. IUDs have a completely different risk profile, but are not a good choice for everyone. If you are on oral birth control for other reasons like polycystic ovarian syndrome or abnormal periods, talk with your doctor about your diagnosis and options.
Bottom line. Many women may choose to remain or start estrogen-containing birth control, but understand the risks and know the possible side effects. This study can help women choose the right choice for them. This study can also help women be aware of the risks of blood clots with NSAIDs and anti-inflammatories, as well as both: take precautions and if they do have symptoms, to listen to their bodies. Women with risks of potential clotting such as obesity, long road travel, smoking, and family history should be most cautious.
Meaidi A, Mascolo A, Sessa M, Toft-Petersen A P, Skals R, Gerds T A et al. Venous thromboembolism with use of hormonal contraception and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: nationwide cohort study BMJ 2023; 382 :e074450 doi:10.1136/bmj-2022-074450
