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Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. In some women, the estrogen in combination hormonal birth control methods increases the risk of a blood clot in a leg (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT) or a blood clot in a lung (pulmonary embolism, or PE). But the risk for DVT or PE is overall very low with hormonal contraceptives. In the past, combination birth control pills contained a higher dose of estrogen. The higher dose increased the risk of DVT and PE. Now the combination pill contains a lower dose of estrogen. The risk is reduced. The risk for DVT or PE is actually higher for a pregnant women than for nonpregnant women taking hormonal contraceptives. Combination hormonal birth control pills that contain the progestin called desogestrel increase the risk of blood clots more than birth control pills that contain other types of progestin.footnote 1 The progestin called drospirenone (found in pills such as YAZ or Yasmin) also might have a greater risk of blood clots than other types of progestin.footnote 2 Talk to your doctor about the risk of blood clots when deciding which pill is right for you. Birth control pills are usually stopped within 1 month of major surgery to decrease the risk of a blood clot. The risk needs to be balanced against the risk of an unintended pregnancy by stopping the pills. The patch delivers more estrogen than the low-dose birth control pills do. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that women who use the patch are slightly more likely to get dangerous blood clots in the legs and lungs than women who use birth control pills. So talk to your doctor about your risks before you use the patch. Some of the things that can increase your risk for a blood clot include: When blood doesn't flow normally, clots are more likely to develop. Reduced blood flow may result from long-term bed rest, such as after a surgery, injury, or serious illness. Or it may result from sitting for a long time, especially when traveling long distances. Some people have blood that clots too easily or too quickly. Things that may cause increased clotting include: Blood is more likely to clot in veins and arteries shortly after they are injured. Injury can be caused by a recent medical procedure or surgery that involved your legs, hips, belly, or brain. Or it can be caused by an injury, such as a broken hip. Current as of: November 27, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Current as of: November 27, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review Board This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.Topic Contents
Hormonal Birth Control: Risk of Blood Clots
Overview
Birth control pills
The birth control patch
Things that can increase your risk for a blood clot
Slowed blood flow
Abnormal clotting
Injury to the blood vessel wall
Related Information
References
Citations
Credits
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.