Hormonal contraception is one of the most commonly used methods to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Oral contraception, apart from its many undoubted advantages (e.g. high effectiveness, increased regularity of cycles, reduced risk of ovarian cancer), also carries many risks (e.g. circulatory problems). This is why it is so important to study the side effects in detail before deciding to use this type of contraception.
Pills - effects on the cardiovascular system
As mentioned above, the use of oral contraceptive pills is not indifferent to the body - among other things, there is an increased risk of conditions such as thromboembolism, stroke or the aforementioned myocardial infarction.
Coronary heart disease - is another condition that increases the likelihood of occurrence in users of the contraceptive pill. This is influenced by changes in the lipid profile, which depends on factors such as the type and dose of hormones used in the preparation (the progestogen component has a negative effect, reducing the HDL cholesterol value, i.e. the good cholesterol, and increasing the LDL fraction, i.e. the bad cholesterol).
Congestiveand thrombotic disease - the possibility of this condition is caused by the oestrogen component of the contraceptive pill. The greatest risk is in women taking the so-called third-generation pill.
Important! The culprit for the formation of blood clots is the oestrogen in the pill (has a negative effect on blood clotting).
Stroke (haemorrhagic and ischaemic) - the risk of stroke during use of this form of contraception is connected to the oestrogen component contained in the pill and depends on the dose and duration of use.
Important! The risk of suffering a stroke increases in women who smoke and suffer from hypertension.
It should be borne in mind that the effect of the contraceptive pill on the condition of the blood vessels and the degree of the ailments associated with it is the result of the action of its components on the body's lipid metabolism and clotting factors.
photo: panthermedia
To take or not to take?
Your gynaecologist will help you decide which contraception method is best for you and your body. Whether or not hormonal contraceptive pills are the right method for you will be determined by an examination which will show your general state of health. One of the tests is the determination of the so-called "hormone type" - this determines whether the body produces more progesterone or more oestrogen.
The current pills are characterised by low doses of hormones. Consequently, the possibility of side effects is greatly reduced.
Important! When using hormonal contraception, it is extremely important to listen to your body and to have regular checkups. Prevention will help to avoid side-effects.
