GP issues plea to anyone taking the pill after alarming study findings

A new study has sparked alarm over the risks of hormonal contraception, used by eight in 10 women across the globe at some point in their lives.

A team of researchers in Denmark have found that certain contraceptives could carry a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes in women.

The study found that the most commonly used contraceptive pill could "double the risk of heart attack or stroke", but that one form of contraception has no higher risk of those serious cardiovascular events.

While the researchers stress the overall risks are low, they say their findings should increase awareness when prescribing certain contraceptives.

The greatest risk came from oestrogen-containing products, particularly the vaginal ring and skin patch, which had a 3.8-fold increase in the risk of heart attack, while the patch increased stroke risk 3.4 fold.

The combined oestrogen-progesterone pill – the most common hormonal contraceptive in the study – was linked to twice the risk of stroke and heart attack. The progestin-only intrauterine device (or IUD) was the only hormonal contraceptive not linked to an increased risk of either a heart attack or stroke.

However, experts have cautioned that the study should not spark concern, with one doctor issuing an urgent plea to those using hormonal contraceptives.

“Please do not stop using contraception based on this study! The risk of stroke and heart attack in pregnancy and postnatal period is significantly higher than the risks reported in this study for contraceptives," said Dr Becky Mawson, Clinical Lecturer in Primary Care at the University of Sheffield and a GP with special interest in sexual and reproductive health.

"For those using contraceptives for treatment of health conditions, the