How does smoking while being on birth control pills put me at risk?

Doctor's Answers 1

Smoking and consuming oral contraceptive pills increase the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This is especially so if you are obese, above the age of 35 years old and are a heavy smoker. If all these 3 categories apply to you then oral contraceptives or, for that matter, any hormonal medication is contraindicated.

If you have 1 or 2 of these risk factors then hormonal medication is relatively contraindicated and you need to discuss the risks versus the benefits with a gynaecologist to determine if it is still safe for you to be on the birth control pill or will other alternatives be a safer option.

With this in mind, smoking is not good for your general health in the first place, so I would strongly recommend that you quit smoking regardless of whether you are going to be on the oral contraceptive pill or not.

Similar Questions

How do birth control pills prevent pregnancy?

First and foremost, the primary contraception action of the oral contraceptive pill is that they prevent ovulation of an egg from the ovary. The oral contraceptive pills also change the nature of the cervical mucus especially during the fertile period by making it more hostile to sperm survival and motility. Finally, the oral contraceptive pills thin the endometrial lining making it harder for an embryo to implant. The oral contraceptive pills are very effective (as long as you are taking them correctly as instructed) and are associated with a low failure rate.

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Answered By

Dr Christopher Ng

Gynaecologist

How much do birth control pills cost in Singapore, and where can I get them from?

Birth control pills are generally pretty affordable, with several brands available in Singapore. The cost of birth control pills may vary depending on the brand of pills that you are looking for. Generic brands can cost as cheap as less than $10 per box, while the more popular brands such as Yasmin can cost an average of $30+ per box. You will require a doctor's prescription to obtain the pills in Singapore, and it would be better to have a consultation first to ascertain if you are suitable to take the pills.

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Answered By

Dr Michelle Chia

General Practitioner

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