There are many side effects and medical warnings associated with the use of ethinyl estradiol and other contraceptives in women. One such side effect that has been mentioned is the increased risk of thromboembolisms. Ethinyl estradiol is a major component in many contraceptives and it is used in various forms. Ethinyl estradiol may be ingested in a pill form or used as a patch or a vaginal insert. Ethinyl estradiol releases the hormone estrogen into the system. It can also be used in hormone replacement therapy in women who have passed menopause. Although it is very effective as a contraceptive and hormone replacement agent, the risks associated with ethinyl estradiol need to be considered before it is used.

Thromboembolisms

Thromboembolisms are a combination of two separate conditions that may have deadly consequences when taken together. The two conditions are deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolisms. These conditions have been linked to contraceptives including ethinyl estradiol.

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis is related to the clotting of blood in the deep veins. Deep vein thrombosis occurs when blood clots and forms a blockage in deep veins such as the femoral or radial veins. These veins are called deep veins because they are located deep in the body as opposed to superficial veins which are located closer to the skin. The clot formed in deep vein thrombosis is called a thrombus and it will grow to a point where it begins to obstruct the blood flow in the vein. This blockage of the veins leads to decreased oxygenated blood flow to organs and tissue on one side of the blockage, as well as harmful build-ups of toxins.

Pulmonary Embolisms

The other condition encompassed by the term ‘thromboembolism’ is the pulmonary embolism. A pulmonary embolism is formed when a thrombus formed from thrombosis becomes dislodged and travels around the body through the veins. The thrombus may then become lodged in one of the arteries that supplies blood to the lungs, thereby cutting off the blood flow. Pulmonary embolisms can be a very serious condition and it may even lead to sudden death.

Link to Estrogen and Oral Contraceptives

Studies have been conducted that show a causal connection between oral contraceptives and the occurrence of thromboembolisms. The increased estrogen levels created by oral contraceptives have been though to contribute to the formation of the thrombus and the creation of the pulmonary embolism. The relationship of ethinyl estradiol to other oral contraceptives has shown that it too may result in increased risk of thromboembolisms. The differences between ethinyl estradiol and other contraceptives, however, has given rise to the suspicion that ethinyl estradiol may even pose a greater risk of thromboembolisms than other contraceptives. The risk of women developing thrombosis increases with age, and therefore older women who may be using ethinyl estradiol for hormone replacement may be at greater risk. However, studies have shown that women who use ethinyl estradiol as opposed to other oral contraceptives do not have an increased risk of developing thromboembolisms.

Regardless, ethinyl estradiol must still be taken as prescribed. Failure to do so may cause reduced effectiveness or increased risk of experiencing harmful side effects.

Contraceptives

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