The contraceptive pill: What are the risks and how serious are they?

  • Health

This week, ITV News viewers have been telling us their stories of issues with the pill after an inquest heard a 21-year-old collapsed and died from a blood clot when side-effects of the contraception were not effectively treated.

Fallan Kurek suffered a pulmonary embolism after the hospital sent her home with painkillers when she attended and complained of chest pains and breathlessness.

After many readers raised concerns about the pill and shared their stories, ITV News has pulled together advice from sexual health groups and the NHS on using the contraceptive and the potential risks.

  • What are the advantages of using the pill?

According to the NHS, using the pill reduces your risk of cancer of the ovaries, womb and colon, as well as symptoms of PMS and even acne.

It can also protect against pelvic inflammatory disease and reduce the risk of fibroids, ovarian cysts and non-cancerous breast disease.

Good Hope Hospital, where Fallan Kurek died. Credit: PA

  • What about the disadvantages?

The combined pill can cause temporary side effects at first, such as headaches, nausea, breast tenderness and mood swings, the NHS says.

It can also increase your blood pressure and has been linked to an increased risk of some serious health conditions, such as thrombosis (blood clots) and breast cancer.

  • What more can you tell me about the risks I've heard of?

NHS Choices admits there are some risks associated with using the combined contraceptive pill, but these are small.

Blood clots, as seen in the case of Ms Kurek, can be caused by oestrogen in the pill. If a blood clot develops, it could cause deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolus, a stroke or heart attack. Your doctor should check if you have certain risk factors that make you more vulnerable before prescribing the pill.

There is also ongoing research about possible links between taking the pill and forms of cancer. Research suggests users of all types of hormonal contraception have a slightly higher chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer compared with women who do not. It has also been linked to cervical cancer and a rare form of liver cancer.

Some forms of the pill have previously been linked to an increased risk of thrombosis. Credit: PA

  • What do health experts say?

The sexual health charity FPA says oral contraceptives are "very safe" and that the benefits "far outweigh the risks".

Discussing the case of Ms Kurek, FPA’s Chief Executive, Natika Halil said: "This is a tragic case but also very unusual and it’s important that women who are worried don’t suddenly stop taking their pill through fear. If they do have concerns, it’s important to speak to a doctor or nurse.

"There is a very small risk of venous thromboembolism, or blood clots, associated with the combined contraceptive pill, which has been documented for years and which doctors take into account when they are prescribing the pill.

"There are 15 methods of contraception available in the UK, and women should never feel like they have to stay with a method they are not happy with."

Sue Burchill, head of nursing at Brook, which provides sexual health advice and contraception to young people, added: "All types of medication carry some degree of risk, and the risk of developing a blood clot due to taking a contraceptive pill is very small."

  • Where can I find more information?

NHS Choices has a full guide to the combined pill.

Brook's website also has a wide range of information on various forms of contraception.

Sexual health charity FPA's My Contraception Tool can help women think about their options and which method may be most suitable for their lifestyle.