Blood clots are life-threatening and can result from using birth control pills. Here is the best way to help prevent these DVT’s from forming.
A woman who takes estrogen-based birth control needs to be aware of the signs of a blood clot in the leg (deep vein thrombosis).
Such a blood clot can break apart and in seconds travel to the lungs and block off inhaled oxygen, causing quick death.
Or, in less life-threatening cases, it will cause warning symptoms that can give the patient enough time to get to the emergency room for successful treatment.
“Birth control in and of itself renders a risk for the development of DVT,” says Paul Lucas, MD, surgeon with the Vascular Center and director of the Vascular Laboratory at Mercy Hospital in Baltimore.
“The estrogen component of the oral contraceptive pill is the causative risk. The progestin-only pills don’t convey that risk.”
Prevention of Blood Clots While on Birth Control
Dr. Lucas says, “The best prevention is to talk to your doctor and see if and what is the best option for you.”
Dr. Lucas urges women on birth control pills to stay active and exercise to help prevent the development of a deep vein thrombosis.
In addition, make sure the following are solidly in place to help prevent a deep vein thrombosis while on birth control:
-Maintain a healthy body weight. This is best accomplished, by far, by incorporating strength training into your life, along with cardio on days separate from the weight workouts. Avoid diet pills, “fat burner” pills and other gimmicks.
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-Keep well-hydrated. To make drinking water easier, add a few slices of lemon and a little Stevia as a natural sweetener.
-Don’t sit for extended periods of time; get up and move periodically.
Every TV commercial break, do some yoga, pacing, lunges, planks or march in place.
-Avoid garments that compress the pelvic area.
Dr. Lucas leads a team of vascular surgeons and technologists who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with diseased blood vessels.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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