§ Mr. Patrick Jenkinasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the health risks to women over 35 years of age who use the contraceptive pill.
§ Mr. EnnalsThere is some risk with all medicines. The main health risk to women who use oral contraceptives is the possible development of deep-vein thrombosis and embolism; compared with nonusers, the risk has been estimated to be three times greater, whatever the age of the user, but in any case it remains very small. There is also the risk of coronary thrombosis; for women over 35, and in particular over 40, that risk is greater. Studies on the health risks of oral contraceptives have been widely publicised; doctors may be expected to be familiar with the findings and take them into account when prescribing contraceptives. The risks of contraception must, of course, be balanced against the risks of pregnancy.