It is a well known fact that birth control pills are associated with a higher risk of blood clots. But it wasn’t until June of 2011 that the link between birth control pills and blood clots got into spotlight. A young woman died of a massive clot that her mother believes was caused by the birth control pills. Watch the video below to learn all the details.

One of the well-known side effects of birth control pills are blood clots. In general 8 out of 10,000 will develop a blood clot at some point if they are on the Pill. With certain brands of oral contraceptives the risk however increases by 2-3 times. We are talking about 16-24 women out of 10,000.

Birth Control pills that are associated with a higher risk of blood clots are the ones containing a particular hormone Progesterone Drospirenone (DRSP.) DRSP is a synthetic hormone formulated to be molecularly similar to a hormone found in the human body, but not “bio-identical” to it. This hormone is not more effective in preventing pregnancy than others are but it poses higher risks of blood clotting.

Birth control pills that contain DRSP and are associated with higher risks of developing blood clots are:

• Yaz (generics Gianvi and Loryna),
• Yasmin (generics Ocella, Syeda and Zarah),
• Beyaz,
• Safyral.

If you are currently taking any of these birth control pills you need to consult your physician immediately. It is recommended that you stop taking these birth control pills immediately if

• you are over the age of 35,
• you smoke,
• you have a family history of blood clots.

Even if you do not have any of the health risks mentioned above other birth control pills (like Ortho TriCyclen, Alesse to name a few) can still be a safer option for you.

You might also want to consider other birth control methods like IUD, Spermicides or old-fashioned condoms (male and female.) If you are not sure which option will suit you best you can take a short online quiz Choosing My Birth Control Method provided by Planned Parenthood.

While birth control pills have higher risks of causing blood clots than other contraceptives they also offer far more benefits for women. They help to fight acne, regulate menstrual cycle, help with moodiness and irritability as well as ease menstrual cramps.

FDA is currently investigating safety of birth control pills containing DRSP but doesn’t advise to stop using them without first consulting a doctor. If you choose to continue using Yasmin, Yaz or other DRSP-containing medications then you should watch for symptoms of blood clots:

• persistent leg pain,
• severe chest pain,
• sudden shortness of breath.

Contact your doctor immediately if these symptoms occur. Although birth-control pills raise the risk of blood clot, the absolute risk is still very low.

Talk to your doctor, consider all of your personal risk factors and your personal comfort. It is very important that you make a decision that you are comfortable with. Your health is your number one priority. Take care of it.