Does the pill cause blood clots?

The combined pill slightly increases the risk of blood clots, but the overall risk is still very low. Around 5 to 7 in 10,000 combined pill users per year develop a clot, compared to 2 in 10,000 non-users.

Which pill has the lowest blood clot risk?

Combined pills containing levonorgestrel (such as Microgynon and Rigevidon) carry the lowest risk among combined pills. The mini pill has no increased risk at all.

Does the mini pill cause blood clots?

No. The mini pill does not contain oestrogen and does not increase your risk of blood clots.

Am I at higher risk of blood clots on the pill?

Some factors increase your risk: family history, being over 35 and smoking, BMI above 35, recent surgery, or a personal history of clots.

Should I stop the pill before surgery?

Your surgeon may advise stopping the combined pill 4 weeks before major surgery. The mini pill does not need to be stopped.

Can I take the pill if my family has a history of blood clots?

A first-degree relative who had a clot under 45 is a reason not to prescribe the combined pill. Your pharmacist will recommend the mini pill if needed.

The Pill and Blood Clots: What Is the Actual Risk?

Reviewed by Usama Ali, MPharm (GPhC: 2224726). April 2026.

The combined pill carries a small increased risk of blood clots: around 5 to 7 per 10,000 users per year, compared to 2 per 10,000 in non-users. The mini pill does not increase blood clot risk at all.

What is the actual risk?

About 2 in every 10,000 women who do not use hormonal contraception develop a blood clot per year. Among women taking a combined pill with levonorgestrel (such as Microgynon), that rises to 5 to 7 per 10,000. Among those taking pills with desogestrel, gestodene, or drospirenone, around 9 to 12 per 10,000.

Risk by pill type

Pill type	Approximate VTE risk per 10,000/year
No hormonal contraception	About 2
Combined pill with levonorgestrel	5 to 7
Combined pill with desogestrel/gestodene	9 to 12
Combined pill with drospirenone	9 to 12
Mini pill (any type)	No increased risk
Pregnancy	About 29

Who is at higher risk?

Risk factors include: family history of blood clots, being over 35 and smoking, BMI above 35, recent surgery or immobility, or a personal history of clots. Your pharmacist checks these before prescribing the combined pill.

Warning signs to watch for

Seek urgent help for: painful swelling in one leg, sudden chest pain or difficulty breathing, a sudden severe headache, or sudden vision changes. Call 999 or go to A&E.

The mini pill alternative

The mini pill does not contain oestrogen and does not increase blood clot risk. It is a suitable alternative if clot risk is a concern.

How your pharmacist reduces the risk

Every consultation includes screening for UKMEC category 3 and 4 conditions. If the combined pill is not suitable, your pharmacist will recommend the mini pill instead.

Putting the risk in context

The risk of a blood clot during pregnancy is around 29 per 10,000. The risk in the first 6 weeks after birth is 300 to 400 per 10,000. The combined pill carries a much smaller risk than pregnancy itself.

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Does the pill cause blood clots?: The combined pill slightly increases the risk, but it is still very low: around 5 to 7 per 10,000 per year.
Which pill has the lowest blood clot risk?: Levonorgestrel combined pills (Microgynon, Rigevidon). The mini pill has no increased risk.
Does the mini pill cause blood clots?: No. It does not contain oestrogen and does not increase blood clot risk.
Am I at higher risk?: Some factors increase risk: family history, smoking over 35, BMI above 35, recent surgery, or personal clot history.
Should I stop the pill before surgery?: Your surgeon may advise stopping the combined pill 4 weeks before major surgery. The mini pill does not need to be stopped.
Can I take the pill if my family has clot history?: A first-degree relative with a clot under 45 is a reason not to prescribe the combined pill.
What are the warning signs of a blood clot?: Painful leg swelling, sudden chest pain, severe headache, or vision changes. Call 999.