The Birth Control Warning You Should Know About

Cosmopolitan.com
Birth Control
Birth Control

We know you rely on the Pill to help you practice safe sex (and maybe even to clear up your skin). But it's also smart to know about any possible side effects that it might cause.

By Korin Miller

That's why we wanted to flag this for you: The FDA announced last week that Yaz, Yasmin, Beyaz, Safyral, and other newer birth control pills will soon have a warning label that details the potential risk of developing a blood clot after you take the pills. Recent studies found that women can have up to three times a greater risk of developing blood clots with pills that contain drospirenone, a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone, which is commonly found in newer birth control pills.

Related: Is Free Birth Control on the Horizon?

Don't freak just yet: The FDA also stressed that the risk of developing a blood clot from birth control in general is very low. "The risk of blood clots is higher when using any birth control pills than not using them, but still remains lower than the risk of developing blood clots in pregnancy and in the postpartum period," the agency said in a statement.

Related: 9 Surprising Things You Need To Know About Birth Control

So, how would you even know if you had a blood clot? According to the FDA, symptoms include persistent leg pain, severe chest pain, and shortness of breath. If you have these symptoms, you should call your doctor.

If you're on a pill that contains drospirenone, the FDA says you shouldn't worry and that it's safe to continue taking your pills. Still concerned? Call your doctor.

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