A doctor has warned travelers using contraceptives and planning long-haul flights.
According to dr. According to Unnati Desai, people taking birth control pills are at increased risk of developing a blood clot if they don’t exercise for a long period of time.
Dr. Desai urged those on birth control pills to “stay mobile” during a long plane ride to avoid potentially life-threatening blood clots.
Skinfluencer London’s medical director explained that the most common in-flight risk for those using combined hormonal contraceptives, which contain both estrogen and progesterone, is a blood clot in venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis (DVT). ) and pulmonary embolism (PE).
A doctor has explained that it is important for people on contraceptives to “stay mobile” during flights to avoid potentially life-threatening blood clots
According to dr. Desai a clot in the deep veins of the leg, while in a pulmonary embolism a small piece of a clot from somewhere else in the body gets stuck in the pulmonary veins.
It can be life-threatening and must be treated immediately.
Dr Desai told MailOnline that the risk of VTE is low, occurring in five to 12 per 10,000 healthy women per year who use a combined hormonal contraceptive, compared to two per 10,000 women per year who do not use a combined not using hormonal contraception.
However, she explained that the risk of VTE increases on long-haul flights.
The doctor explained: “The estimated risk of VTE on a long-haul flight is one case per 106,667 flights lasting less than four hours, one case per 4,656 flights lasting more than four hours and one case per 1,264 flights lasting one duration Duration of more than 16 hours.” . Watch.’
Dr. Desai claimed that the risk of VTE in pregnant women is even higher than in women using birth control pills.
Following the claims of Dr. Desai told resident doctor Simi (@sisimolaoa) in a viral TikTok video: “If you take a birth control pill, especially the combination pill that contains estrogen and progesterone, there is a small risk that you will develop DVT.” .’

According to dr. According to Unnati Desai, people taking birth control pills are at increased risk of developing a blood clot if they don’t exercise for a long period of time.
@simistoloa #Stitch @Charlotte Thompson Why it’s important to exercise while flying and taking the pill! #PhysicianAssociated #PhysicianAssistant #Gynecology #Gynecology #Contraception
♬ Lil Boo Thang – Paul Russell
Speaking to her 3,000 followers, she added: “Another risk factor for developing a blood clot is a long-haul flight and pregnancy.”
According to Dr., signs of DVT include: Desai swelling of the calf, pain in the midline of the calf, redness and discomfort.
She added: “Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism include shortness of breath, rapid breathing, increased heart rate or palpitations, stabbing pain in the chest or pain behind the sternum.”
Symptoms can also include coughing up blood and feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness, Dr. Desai.
To reduce the risk, Dr. Desai said to stay mobile during flights by walking frequently and “moving your ankles up and down to activate your calf muscles.”
She added: “Wear graduated compression socks during flight. They have higher pressure around the ankle, gradually decreasing towards the knee, to promote blood flow in the deep leg veins to the heart.”
Finally, she recommended staying hydrated, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding alcohol and caffeine.
What is deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – and what are the symptoms?
According to the NHS website, DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a blood clot in a vein, usually in the leg.
Symptoms of DVT include:
Source: NHS
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James is an author and travel journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a love for exploring new cultures and discovering unique destinations, James brings his readers on a journey with him through his articles.