Some hormonal contraceptives are linked with a higher risk of heart attack and stroke, according to new research which also found one form of contraceptive has no increased risk of those serious cardiovascular events.
An estimated nearly 248 million women around the world use hormonal contraceptives, and postdoctoral researcher Therese Johansson said it was important for women to understand the potential risks, however small, of their hormonal contraceptives.
The increased risk translated to one extra stroke for every 4,760 using the combined pill for one year, and one extra heart attack for every 10,000 women for each year of use.
Experts said the risks were still very low, but it was important for women to be fully informed when considering their contraceptive choices.
Progestin-only contraceptives including pills and implants also had a slightly higher risk of heart attack and stroke, although the risk was lower than the combined pill.
