Everything you need to know about contraception and blood pressure
In this article
What's the lowdown?
High blood pressure is common, usually in older people
Combined hormonal contraception can occasionally increase your blood pressure
People with high blood pressure are advised to avoid combined hormonal contraception
High blood pressure is also called hypertension and affects 9% of adults aged 16 to 44 years old. While high blood pressure itself may not cause any symptoms, it can be a cause for other issues like heart disease, strokes and problems with the eyes and kidneys. Contraception can affect your blood pressure, and high blood pressure can therefore affect your contraceptive choice. Read on to find out more.
Can contraception cause high blood pressure?
Yes, certain contraceptives can cause high blood pressure. Any combined hormonal contraception, such as the combined pill, the patch or the vaginal ring can cause high blood pressure. Research has shown that around 2% of users within 2 years of starting the method may have an increase in blood pressure.
The increase in blood pressure is thought to be caused by the synthetic oestrogen found in combined hormonal contraception.
Why does blood pressure matter when choosing contraception?
For a small minority of users, the combined pill, patch and ring can cause an increase in blood pressure which can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. As this risk is so small, for the majority of people the benefits of the contraceptive far outweight the risk. However, if someone already has a high blood pressure, healthcare professionals do not want to add synthetic oestrogen to increase the risk further.
Why do I need to have a blood pressure check for contraception?
The blood pressure check is to make sure you have a normal blood pressure before starting on combined hormonal contraception. Research has shown that people who do have their blood pressure checked before starting combined contraception have a higher number of heart attacks and strokes – so it’s best to get checked first!
You will have a blood pressure check once a year while you are using combined hormonal contraception to pick up any changes.
If you have a high blood pressure, you will be advised to choose a different method.
What’s the best contraception for high blood pressure?
If you have high blood pressure you should avoid the combined pill, patch or vaginal ring.
The best options would be a progestogen-only form of contraception (progestogen-only pill, implant, hormonal coil or injection) or a non-hormonal form of contraception such as the copper coil, condoms, caps or diaphragms, fertility awarness methods or even permanent options like sterilisation or vasectomy.
Who shouldn’t use blood pressure-raising contraception?
Contraceptive choice is always individual, and you should discuss with your healthcare professional. However, as a general rule, you should not use combined hormonal contraception which can raise blood pressure if:
- You are over 35 and smoke
- You have other cardiovascular risk factors such as high cholesterol or diabetes
- You have a BMI over 35
- You have previously had a stroke, angina or a heart attack
- You have migraine with aura
- You have had a previous blood clot or a close family member has had a blood clot under the age of 45
What is a normal blood pressure?
If your check your blood pressure at home a normal level should be under 135/85.
If you have your blood pressure checked by a healthcare professional a normal level should be less than 140/90.
If you blood pressure is high, speak to your GP.
How can I get a blood pressure check?
It’s really easy to have your blood pressure checked – you can either choose to buy your own monitor and use it at home, see whether your GP reception area has a machine, or pop into your local pharmacy for a free check.
Here’s a list of options to choose from:
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This article has been medically reviewed for factual and up to date information by a Lowdown doctor.