We are concerned that discussions comparing the risks of blood clots associated with the AstraZeneca vaccine with those of the contraceptive pill could pave the way to a repeat of the 1995 “Pill Scare” which led to a significant increase in unplanned pregnancies.

Thread

Combined hormonal contraceptives (CHC) are overall very safe for most women to take - the very small increased risk of venous thrombosis (VTE) with use of the combined pill is far lower than the risk for VTE during or after pregnancy.

A review of the risks of the combined pill by the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Authority, @MHRAgovuk, in 2014 confirmed that the benefits of any combined hormonal contraceptive far outweigh the risk of serious side effects.

Rightly reassuring the public about the safety of the AstraZeneca vaccine must not come at the expense of trust in the most commonly used contraceptive method in the UK.

An unplanned pregnancy presents a greater risk of VTE than the use of the combined hormonal contraception.

See guidance from @FSRH_UK

https://www.fsrh.org/news/fsrh-response-combined-pill-blood-clots-covid/

During the "Pill Scare" of 1995, a significant number of women either switched brands or ceased contraception altogether following reports of blood clot risk - and there was a substantial increase in the number of unintended pregnancies https://academic.oup.com/humupd/article/5/6/621/745751

As part of the contraceptive counselling process, women should be informed of the risks associated with all methods of contraception, as would be expected with any prescription medication, but these risks must be kept in perspective.

To re-iterate, an unplanned pregnancy presents a greater risk of VTE than the use of combined hormonal contraceptives.

We advise that any woman who is concerned about their current method of contraception seeks advice from their GP before discontinuing.

It is vitally important that discussions comparing the risks of blood clots associated with the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine with those of the contraceptive pill do not pave the way to a repeat of the 1995 “Pill Scare.”

Read our full comment here:

https://www.bpas.org/about-our-charity/press-office/press-releases/bpas-comment-on-combined-hormonal-contraceptives/