New Pill safer than skin patch contraceptive, say experts
Research published on bmj.com has shown women using the skin patch have an eight times increased risk of venous thrombosis and those using the vaginal ring a 6.5 times increased risk compared with women who do not use any type of hormonal contraception. This compares with a threefold increase risk of a blood clot among women taking a combined oral contraceptive pill containing the hormone levonorgestrel.
The study found that using the progestogen-only subcutaneous implant carried a slightly increased risk, while use of a progestogen-only intrauterine device did not confer any risk and might have a protective effect.
A team at the University of Copenhagen reviewed data on non-oral hormonal contraceptive use and first-ever venous thrombosis in all Danish non-pregnant women aged 15-49 from 2001 to 2010.