There are many myths going around about birth control and vein health. If you are taking birth control in the form of a pill or thinking about going on this form of contraception, it’s helpful to separate facts from fiction. Some women think that birth control causes varicose veins to develop more easily, but that’s not entirely true. Let’s explore some of the details surrounding vein health and birth control, so you can feel more comfortable making that decision for yourself.
Birth Control is Used by Millions of Women
A study by the CDC (Center for Disease Control) revealed that 12.5 percent of women under 50 were on an oral form of the pill. Not only is birth control used by many as a method of preventing pregnancy, it’s also a widely used way to help curb painful cramps, regulate menstrual cycles, reduce acne breakouts, and even reduce pain from endometriosis.
Possible Side Effects More Common Than Varicose Veins
Side effects can occur due to the hormones present in the pill. According to a report by the Office of Women’s Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, women who take hormonal birth control may experience a weakening of the valves in the veins. The pill has a variety of other side effects that may also be a concern, especially if you’ve never been on the pill before. Things like mood changes, weight gain, nausea, and even breast tenderness have all been reported as more common side effects.
The Ingredients in Birth Control That May Affect Vein Health
The two main hormones in birth control that may contribute to vein issues are estrogen and progestin. When these hormones are time-released into your body, it causes clotting factors in the blood to rise which increases the risk of blood clots also known as a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). DVT is where a blood clot forms deep in your legs which can then potentially break loose and travel to your lungs causing a pulmonary embolism. Birth control pills have been linked to a slightly increased risk for DVT, and this risk much higher if you are also a smoker.
Pregnancy Risks for A Vein Condition
While a slightly increased risk for developing a vein condition is a known byproduct of birth control, being pregnant increases the risk significantly. Many women develop pregnancy-related varicose veins. In pregnancy, the body automatically increases blood flow and circulation for the growing unborn baby. Pregnant women, therefore, have an increased chance of developing a vein condition as a result.
It’s Your Choice if Birth Control is Right for You
It’s completely up to you to decide if taking oral birth control is right for your lifestyle and body. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have a concern about vein issues. If this is something you are worried about, it’s vital to share those questions with a healthcare professional. You may have other risk factors that need to be looked at in a professional setting. It’s also important to let the healthcare provider know if you have a history of vein problems in your family.
Schedule a Vein Screening With Missouri Vein Care
If you definitely want to put your mind at ease, it’s helpful to schedule a vein screening with Missouri Vein Care. We are the premier vein care specialists in the Midwest. With five different locations to serve you, we are happy to schedule a free vein screening for you as soon as possible to ease those concerns about veins and birth control. The more you are informed and prepared, the better off you’ll feel in the choices you make for your life and health.
