Marketed as a way to stop smoking, vaping is growing in popularity among women of all ages. If you vape, whether to try and quit smoking or just for fun, you may be wondering if vaping is safe while on birth control.
Vaping While Using Birth Control
Image via Flickr by VAPES.COM
Increased use of vaporizers (vapes) raises the question of increased risks for women using birth control. Currently, there aren’t many studies on the subject to give a definitive answer. Weighing the risk factors of vaping, nicotine, and birth control is a good approach to make an educated decision for your overall health.
Vape pens contain the active ingredient nicotine, which studies have proven increases the risk of blood clots. The hormones in birth control pills also increase the risk of blood clots occurring. Although unproven with vaping, the assumption that taking both of these together may increase the risk of blood clots is prudent.
Birth Control Side Effects
Women should always research and ask questions about the possible side effects before using any birth control option. Pre-existing health risks may increase the likelihood of serious side effects like spotting, headaches and migraines, weight gain, or weight loss. NuvaRing side effects include bleeding, breast tenderness, and nausea.
Some side effects may be temporary, while others may persist. Any side effects should be reported to a medical professional. In some cases, switching the type of birth control can reduce or eliminate the side effects. Women over 35 should consult with a medical professional to discuss increased risk factors when taking birth control, including heart attack and stroke. Women over 35 who smoke should not use birth control pills, the patch, or the NuvaRing due to increased risk of blood clots.
Lowering Your Risks
Women who vape and use birth control should consider a plan to quit vaping to avoid the potential side effects of combining birth control and nicotine. Research has shown that the nicotine in vape pens is potentially more addictive than traditional cigarettes due to the availability of extra-strength cartridges and assorted flavor choices.
Dropping the vaping habit has other potential benefits along with the reduced risk of blood clots. While vaping may be less harmful than smoking cigarettes, there are significant health benefits to quitting all nicotine, including the lower risk of major health issues like heart attacks, strokes, and cancer.
If quitting isn’t an immediate possibility, mention your vaping habits to your physician when discussing birth control options. It is important to choose the option that keeps your health risks to a minimum.
Accessing Birth Control
With the constant change of health insurance coverage, having a reliable and consistent source of birth control is important. Telemedicine companies, like Nurx, that provide low-cost birth control options for insured and uninsured women are an ideal option. Nurx provides 24/7 access to board-certified doctors that can help find the right option based on factors like age and past medical history.
Telemedicine is helping more people get access to healthcare. And with no cost for insured patients, and options as low as $15 for uninsured (both with free shipping), finding a reliable, affordable option has never been easier.
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