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These documents are for informational purposes only and are not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Ask Dr. Cullins: Birth Control



Q:  Can a woman use the pill if she has high blood pressure?

A:  Combined hormone methods of birth control — the pill, the patch, and the ring — should not be used by women who have confirmed and untreated blood pressure over 140 systolic or 90 diastolic.

Women who request prescriptions for combined hormone methods must have their blood pressure checked. If they have somewhat elevated blood pressure, they may be asked to have their blood pressure checked again between three to six months after they first receive their prescriptions. Women who renew their prescriptions after a year of use will also have their blood pressure checked, to make sure their methods are still right for them.


Send your sexual health questions to askdrcullins@ppfa.org. Note that due to the large number of e-mails received every day, we are unable to provide personal replies. Answers to Ask Dr. Cullins questions are periodically posted on the homepage.
This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.


Published: 10.22.04 | Updated: 03.06.07

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