Safety of the Birth Control Pill

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By Alexandra Haller
eHow Contributing Writer

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For most women, the birth control pill is an effective and harmless way to prevent pregnancy. However, there are a few cases where the pill is not recommended because it's no longer safe or it causes complications.

Smoking

For women over the age of 35 who smoke, the birth control pill is not recommended because of the increased risk of developing cardiovascular problems. A woman should either quit smoking or talk with her doctor about a different contraceptive method.

Pregnancy

Discontinue your birth control pills if you discover you are pregnant. Do not increase your dose of birth control pills to terminate an unwanted pregnancy.

Pre-existing Conditions

Do not take progestin-only pills if you have a history of blood clotting complications. Do not take an estrogen/progestin combination pill if you have a history of breast cancer, blood clots, stroke, heart attack, lupus, or liver disease.

Blood Pressure

If you have high blood pressure over 140/90 that isn't responding to medicine you should not take any hormonal forms of birth control, including the pill, because they can potentially raise your blood pressure. If you insist on taking the risk, your doctor will request frequent check-ups on your blood pressure.

Types

With a history of liver, kidney or adrenal gland disease, you should not take Yaz or Yasmin birth control pills. These monophasic pills may complicate your potassium levels and lead to heart or other health problems.