Contraceptives For some women, anti-baby pills can also be dangerous

Facts about the birth control pill: For some women, the contraceptive is dangerous
When it comes to contraception, most Germans rely on the anti-baby pill. For some women, however, taking the drug involves a health risk. This may increase the risk of life-threatening thrombosis. Health experts explain the benefits and harms of taking the pill.

Germans prefer contraception with the pill
Pill and condom contraception is preferred by most Germans. A few years ago, a study by the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) found that about 53 percent of sexually active adults use contraceptive pills and about 37 percent use condoms.

However, the intake of the drug is associated with unpleasant side effects. In addition, a high risk of thrombosis threatens by modern anti-baby pills. In addition, Danish researchers reported that the pill increases the risk of brain tumors. In addition to the medicines, there are also hormone-free alternatives that cause no or less burden on health.

The pill is one of the most popular contraceptive methods among Germans. However, the use of the drug is associated with health risks. Using facts, women can find out for themselves if the pill is the right contraceptive for them. (Image: kristina rütten / fotolia.com)

Newer preparations harbor a higher risk of thrombosis
The health insurance AOK reported in a recent communication on the pros and cons of the pill, which, according to experts, the safest methods of contraception counts. This applies to both newer and older variants, often referred to as "first and second generation pill".

However, there is one important difference: it is reported that the use of newer preparations containing the progestational variants drospirenone, gestodene or desogestrel is associated with a higher risk of blood clots in the veins. In older, proven progestins that is not the case according to the experts. "It is therefore important to check in the package leaflet of the pill which progestin is included" med. Kai Kolpatzik, Head of the Department of Prevention in the AOK Federal Association.

Many young women receive problematic remedies
According to the statement, gynecologists prescribing hormonal contraceptives are required to look for patients at risk of thrombosis. "Especially with the first prescription for young women, proven drugs should be prescribed, the risk is lower," said Kolpatzik.

However, the anti-baby pill is often prescribed despite risk of thrombosis. For example, an analysis by the AOK (WIdO) Scientific Institute last year showed that about two-thirds of under-20-year AOK insured persons were prescribed the problematic drugs.

Important information summarized
In a thrombosis, a blood clot (thrombus) forms in a blood vessel - usually in deep leg or pelvic veins. This blood clot constricts or clogs the vessel, which can result in serious sequelae. For example, parts of the blood clot that dissolve into the lungs can cause a pulmonary embolism.

An undiscovered thrombosis quickly becomes a mortal danger. In Germany alone, an estimated 100,000 people die each year as a result of venous thrombosis.

The AOK has summarized important information about the pill in a facts box. It was developed in collaboration with the Harding Center for Risk Competency at the Max Planck Institute for Educational Research in Berlin. "We want women to know about the potential risks and make an informed decision," said Professor Gerd Gigerenzer, director of the Harding Center.

Natural birth control methods without side effects
For women who want to prevent without pill, various hormone-free alternatives are available. One of these is contraception with the temperature method, which, however, requires a regular lifestyle. Every morning at the same time, the woman has to measure and record her body temperature as soon as possible after waking up.

Another alternative, which also includes body temperature, is the "symptothermal method", where the woman measures her body temperature every day and simultaneously observes changes in her vaginal fluid. In such natural contraceptive methods, an attempt is made to determine the time of ovulation as accurately as possible in order to distinguish the fertile and infertile days. On the fertile days, the couples then have to forgo sex or use condoms. (Ad)