On the pill? 5 questions your doctor should be asking you
The contraceptive pill – also known as the combined oral contraceptive pill or simply “the pill” has been around since the 1960s and is a safe, effective form of birth control for millions of women all over the world. However, like any medication, the pill can have side effects, and it’s not suitable for every woman. When you’re getting a new prescription for the pill there are a few important things that need to be checked. Here are 5 of the questions you should be asked by your doctor or pharmacist.
What’s your BMI?
If you are significantly overweight, with a BMI (body mass index) above 35 you should not take the pill, as your risk of getting a clot is too high. If you’re not sure, you can calculate your BMI with an online BMI calculator– you just need to know your height in centimetres and your weight in kilograms.
How about your family history?
If you have a family history of certain medical conditions (particularly a parent or sibling) the pill may not be suitable for you. These include blood clots in the legs or lungs (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism), lupus, breast cancer, and stroke or heart attacks in people under the age of 45.
Have you had a blood pressure check?
Some women develop hypertension (high blood pressure) while taking the pill. So, it’s recommended to get your blood pressure checked at least once a year while taking the pill.
Do you smoke?
If you’re a smoker, this increases your risk of developing a blood clot. As the pill also increases your risk of a clot, it’s not advisable to smoke if you take the pill. If you are a smoker over 35 years of age, the pill is contraindicated, and a different form of contraception is required.
Do you suffer from migraine with aura?
If you suffer from migraine and have ever had an “aura”, you should not take the pill, as it puts you at a higher risk of stroke. Migraine is usually a severe throbbing headache that lasts between 4 and 72 hours. The pain is often located on one side of the head and may be worsened by movement. It is often associated with nausea, vomiting or an aversion to light (photophobia). An “aura” may happen in the hour before the headache- an aura typically involves a disturbance in vision which may include flashes of light, blind spots or shimmering lines. Less commonly, an aura may involve numbness or pins and needles of the arm or the face. Even less commonly, it may involve difficulty speaking. If you think you have had a migraine with aura, you should speak to your doctor as the pill is not suitable if this is the case.
There are other side effects and important health issues related to taking the pill. If you have questions or concerns about taking the pill, speak to your GP or pharmacist.
Further Patient Resources:
Get the facts: Contraceptive Pill getthefacts.health.wa.gov.au
Contraceptive Pill (The Pill) healthywa.wa.gov.au
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