New Findings on Birth Control and Painkillers and Blood Clots
Researchers from a major New York University campus in Brooklyn have identified a link between certain combined birth control pills and common pain relievers known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that may raise the risk of blood clots in women. The findings appeared in a respected medical journal, BMJ, signaling a potential interaction to consider in clinical advice and patient decisions.
The study looked at data from a large Danish cohort consisting of more than 2 million women aged 15 to 49. Analysts reviewed medical records to understand how hormonal contraception influenced the likelihood of developing blood clots in the legs or lungs. Over a period spanning 1996 to 2017, more than 8,700 cases of venous clots were recorded among participants, highlighting real-world outcomes in a broad population.
An important element of the research was the observation that the risk of clot formation appeared higher when NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen were used in conjunction with estrogen-containing birth control. This combination seemed to amplify the relative risk, though the absolute risk for any individual remained comparatively small.
Authors stressed that for women on hormonal contraception, short-term NSAID use does not warrant alarm. They also noted that the baseline risk of clots during pregnancy or in the months after birth remains higher than the risk linked to birth control, even when NSAIDs are used.
For those who are worried about clots, options that tend to carry lower risk include intrauterine devices (IUDs) and progestin-only pills. These choices may be particularly worth considering for individuals who frequently rely on NSAIDs due to chronic pain. When selecting a birth control method, it is prudent to consider clot risk factors such as tobacco use, personal or family history of clots, age, and overall health profile.
Some researchers have explored hormonal influences on conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and how these factors may relate to testosterone levels. While this line of inquiry continues, current clinical guidance emphasizes balancing contraception needs with cardiovascular risk factors and the potential for clotting, rather than relying on any single measure alone. Marked findings from studies of large populations help clinicians tailor guidance to individual patients, particularly in settings where NSAID use is frequent or long-term.
Overall, the emerging evidence supports a cautious approach: clinicians should discuss both contraception methods and NSAID use with patients, reviewing personal risk factors and considering safer alternatives where appropriate. The goal is to empower informed choices that fit each woman’s health status and pain management needs, while keeping attention on the comparatively small absolute risk of clots in most healthy individuals using contraception appropriately. These insights contribute to ongoing conversations about safe medication practices and personalized preventive care, as reflected in contemporary medical literature and practice guidelines. (BMJ study, 2020; population data from Danish health records, 1996–2017)”