Q: Do I need to stop smoking if I am on birth control pills? I have heard that it may decrease the effectiveness of the pill.
A: I recommend every patient to stop smoking whether they are on birth control pills or not! Smoking does not decrease the effectiveness of the pill; however, it will increase the risk of blood clot-related complications in combination with the pill, especially if you are over the age of 35. These complications include heart attack, stroke and clots in your legs or lungs. Any of these could be a life-threatening event. If you are a smoker over the age of 35, your options for contraception are generally limited to progesterone-only methods or sterilization.
Smoking impacts your health in many different ways and is not limited to causing cancers of the mouth and lungs—it also increases your risk of abnormal pap smears and cancers of the cervix and vulva. Please realize that your health is too important to put at risk by smoking! It’s never too late to quit. 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) is a great resource that offers free patches, gum and support to help those willing to help themselves.
Dr. Nicole Chainakul, OB/Gyn
Dr. Stephanie Hall, OB/Gyn
Utica Park Clinic – Owasso
10512 N. 110th East Ave., Suite 200
Owasso, OK 74055
918.376.8450
