Birth control pills are a popular contraception method due to their high effectiveness and ease of use. They also help regulate menstruation, reduce menstrual pain, and improve some endocrine disorders. However, they are not suitable for everyone, especially hormonal birth control pills containing estrogen.

The risk of stroke linked to birth control pill use can occur, though it is low. Estrogen can increase clotting factors and reduce the body's natural anticoagulant abilities. In some cases, this can promote blood clot formation, causing vascular obstruction. If a blood clot travels to the brain, it can lead to ischemic stroke or cerebral venous thrombosis.

Additionally, some birth control pills can increase blood pressure. When blood pressure remains high, blood vessel walls can be damaged, losing elasticity. This increases the risk of cerebral hemorrhage, leading to hemorrhagic stroke. However, these mechanisms typically affect individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular risk factors or underlying conditions.

If you are over 35, overweight or obese, have hypertension, dyslipidemia, a history of cardiovascular disease, or have experienced thrombosis, you should be cautious when using birth control pills. In these cases, hormonal birth control pills can further increase the risk of cerebrovascular events if not properly evaluated and monitored.

A doctor performs a stroke screening for a patient. Illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital

To ensure safety, consult a doctor for a health check and assessment before using birth control pills. A doctor can consider a more suitable type of pill or advise on safer alternative contraception methods for your specific situation. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including weight control, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and periodic check-ups, is crucial in reducing the risk of complications.

While using the medication, if you experience signs such as unusually severe headaches, blurred vision or flashing lights, chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling and pain in one leg, numbness or weakness in limbs, or difficulty speaking, these could indicate a blood clot or vascular event. You must stop the medication and go to the hospital for prompt evaluation.

Dr. Nguyen Huu Khanh, First-Degree Specialist

Neurology Department, Neuroscience Center

Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City