Although birth control pills are practical, inexpensive, and effective in preventing pregnancy, not all women can take them. you know. Instead of bringing benefits, birth control pills actually have a bad impact on health. In order to avoid these risks, let's know the group of women who should not take birth control pills.
There are birth control pills that contain a combination of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, some contain only the hormone progesterone. Birth control pills can prevent or delay pregnancy up to 99% if taken correctly.
Birth control pills are also one of the most popular contraceptives for many women because they are relatively more affordable compared to other types of contraception.
Group Women Who Shouldn't Take Birth Control Pills
Despite having many advantages, not all women can take birth control pills. The reasons are various. Besides being unsuitable, the consumption of birth control pills is also possible to cause health problems.
The following are conditions in women who should not take birth control pills:
1. Smokers over 35 years old
Women who are over 35 years old and have a smoking habit are not recommended to take birth control pills. The reason is because there are several side effects that lurk, such as increased blood pressure and the risk of blood clots.
This side effect certainly cannot be underestimated because it can increase the risk of developing serious diseases, such as hypertension, heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
2. Have a blood clotting disorder
The estrogen content in birth control pills can cause side effects in the form of thick blood or easy clotting. Research shows that women who take birth control pills are 2 to 6 times more likely to develop thick blood than those who don't take them.
The risk for developing blood clots is increased if the pill user has a history of spontaneous blood clotting, such as an ischemic stroke, DVT, or embolism.
3. Suffer from hypertension and diabetes
The hormone estrogen in birth control pills can cause an increase in blood pressure, so it is not recommended for use by women with hypertension. If people with hypertension are still determined to consume it, it is feared that they will get complications, such as stroke and heart attack.
This also applies to women who have diabetes. Birth control pills are not the right contraceptive to use because the hormone estrogen in birth control pills can increase blood sugar levels and interfere with the body's insulin performance.
4. Suffering from migraine aura
Women who suffer from migraine aura should also not take birth control pills. Research shows that women with migraine aura can experience recurrence of symptoms up to 6 times more often than women with migraine aura who do not take birth control pills.
The risk is not only that. Women who often experience migraines are prone to blood clots, so it is feared that taking birth control pills can trigger strokes and heart disease.
So, for those who like to experience migraine aura, it is advisable to consult a doctor before taking birth control pills.
5. Risk of cancer
Some studies suggest that birth control pills can increase the risk of developing breast cancer and cervical cancer. Therefore, women who have a history of both cancers or are at high risk of developing them should not take birth control pills.
Not only birth control pills, they are also advised to avoid hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control injections, KB implants, and hormonal IUDs.
In addition to the five groups of women above, women with lupus, liver tumors, planning to undergo surgery, frequent vaginal bleeding, and a history of stroke, heart disease, and jaundice are also not recommended to take birth control pills for safety reasons.
Birth control pills are not the only means of contraception, so women who can't take them don't have to worry too much. The reason is, there are many other contraceptive options that can be used, such as female condoms or male condoms, non-hormonal IUDs, spermicides, or diaphragms.
If you still have questions about birth control pills or are still confused about choosing the appropriate contraceptive method, don't hesitate to consult a doctor, especially if you have certain medical conditions.
