Oral contraceptives, also called birth control pills, prevent pregnancy through the use of synthetic hormones. This type of birth control may contain just progestin or a combination of estrogen and progestin, which are female hormones. The Center for Young Women's Health explains that when women take their oral contraceptives at the same time each day, they have a 1 percent chance of becoming pregnant with combination pills. Some women with certain conditions cannot take combined oral contraceptives.
Cardiovascular Problems
Women who have certain cardiovascular problems cannot take oral contraceptives that contain both estrogen and progestin. For example, Family Health International notes that women who have high blood pressure, which is a reading of 180/110 or higher, should not use oral contraceptives. Heart problems like ischemic heart disease, in which the patient has congestive heart failure from coronary artery disease, are contraindications for oral contraceptives. Women with deep venous thrombosis, or blood clots in the legs, either currently or in the past, cannot take oral contraceptives. Other contraindications include stroke and diabetes that results in poor blood circulation.
Pregnancy
Pregnant women cannot take combination oral contraception. Family Health International adds that women should not take combined oral contraceptives when breastfeeding or for six weeks after giving birth.
Liver Problems
Another contraindication of oral contraceptives is liver problems. For example, Family Health International points out that women who have liver tumors, either benign or malignant, cannot use combined birth control pills. Having an active hepatitis infection or severe cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver, also prevents a woman from using an oral contraceptive.
Migraine Headaches
Women who have migraine headaches with other symptoms cannot use combination oral contraceptives. The Center for Young Women's Health explains that this includes having migraine headaches that have an aura, in which a person sees flashing lights or has problems seeing five to 30 minutes before the onset of the headache. Doctors will not prescribe a combination oral contraceptive to women who have migraine headaches that occur along with numbness or a loss of speech.
Other Contraindications
Other conditions can prevent women from using combination oral contraceptives. For example, women who had jaundice, or yellowing of the eyes or skin, during a pregnancy cannot use this type of birth control, according to the Center for Young Women's Health. Women who have unexplained vaginal bleeding or breast cancer also cannot take combined oral contraceptives. Family Health International adds that doctors will not prescribe a combined oral contraceptive to women who are older than 35 years and smoke 20 or more cigarettes a day.
