2 young Vietnamese suffer strokes linked to long-term birth control pill use

Prolonged use of oral contraceptives

The first patient arrived at the hospital in critical condition.

She had experienced headaches for several days, which slightly improved with painkillers.

However, her symptoms quickly escalated into severe headache, unconsciousness, continuous seizures, deep coma, limb paralysis, and dilated pupils.

Brain scans revealed a massive brain hemorrhage caused by thrombosis in the superior sagittal sinus and confluence of sinuses.

Doctors quickly placed her on a ventilator, administered anticoagulants, and performed brain decompression surgery.

Following intensive care, she regained consciousness, was weaned off the ventilator, and is now able to communicate and perform some daily activities independently.

The second patient sought medical attention due to persistent headaches, progressive left-sided weakness, and difficulty walking over several days.

She remained conscious at admission.

Imaging and screening tests revealed an ischemic stroke in the right temporal lobe, caused by thrombosis in multiple sinuses.

She was treated with anticoagulants and recovered well, eventually discharged with full independence.

Both patients had been taking daily birth control pills for extended periods.

Oral contraceptives linked to higher risk

Dr. Nguyen Hai Linh of the hospital’s stroke department stated that global statistics show women taking oral contraceptives are three to six times more likely to experience venous thromboembolism than non-users.

The risk increases further for those who smoke, are overweight, or have a family history of stroke or clotting disorders.

Cerebral venous thrombosis can result in either hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke, or a combination of both, and may be fatal if not detected early.

Medical advice for women

Doctors strongly advised women to consult a specialist before using birth control pills, undergo necessary screening, and receive guidance for safe and effective use.

Self-medicating or using contraceptives long-term without professional supervision is strongly discouraged.

In Vietnam, a 2021 study by Tu Du Hospital and the National Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that nearly 50 percent of women of childbearing age had used oral contraceptives, with about 20 percent taking them continuously for over 12 months without routine medical check-ups.

Besides oral contraceptives, women are encouraged to consider alternatives such as intrauterine devices, contraceptive implants, patches, sterilization (for those not planning more children), and condoms -- a simple, hormone-free option that offers dual protection.