Which  Birth Control is Safe for Hypertensive Women?

Healthcare providers have suggested that women avoid using birth control with estrogen if they are hypertensive and the present blood pressure range termed as high according to the US guidelines is 130/80mmHg or higher. Researchers have shown that birth control containing estrogen can increase blood pressure. Women, who have high blood pressure and using birth control containing estrogen such as control patch, combined hormonal birth control pills, and a vaginal ring, have a higher risk of stroke and heart attack than women who do not have high blood pressure. Still, the actual chances of having a stroke or heart attack are minimal.

Also, a woman with a history of high blood pressure before getting pregnant is likely to experience the following:

• Blood clots
• Diabetes during pregnancy
• Heart attack
• Preeclampsia as well as increased risk of fetal growth issues and preterm birth.

According to report, black women are at higher risk and more than half of black women over the age of 19 are diagnosed with high blood pressure. Therefore, if you have high blood pressure and trying to take estrogen birth control, you should consider factors such as your age, control of your blood pressure, and other risks for heart disease.

1. However, it is safe to use birth control with estrogen if you are 35 years or younger, have well controlled blood pressure, and generally healthy. Still, make sure you check your blood pressure within one month at the start of estrogen birth control. Furthermore, go for routine blood pressure checks twice a year.
2. Avoid birth control containing estrogen if you are older than 35- even with a controlled blood pressure. Including women with increased risk factors for heart disease or uncontrolled blood pressure. If you fall within this category, avoid using birth control shot like Depo-Provera as it may increase your cholesterol level and increase your risk of having stroke.

Which brings us back to the question, which birth control methods do not contain estrogen and suitable for women with increased risk of high blood pressure?

There are different birth control methods ranging from hormonal and non-hormonal suitable to prevent pregnancy.

The most reliable options of birth control without estrogen are copper intrauterine device (IUD), the hormonal IUD, implants, and sterilization for men and women. 

• Hormonal methods: Copper IUD, condoms, cervical cap, and diaphragm.
• Three progestin-only hormonal methods are safe: minipill, implant, or hormonal IUD. Depo-Provera is not recommended for women with poorly controlled high blood pressure.