The “third generation” pills . Danger ?

          The first generation of birth control pills (developed in the 1960s) used a higher concentration of estrogen-like compounds as the main means of contraception. It was believed at that time that these levels created an unacceptable risk of the formation of blood clots in the legs. Thus, second generation oral contraceptives were introduced. They included progestins at varying concentrations and strengths. Some of these preparations use gradually increasing doses of hormones over three phases, resulting in a lower total dosage of hormone each month.

In the 1990s the third generations of oral contraceptives were released. They contain the new progestins Gestodene™, Desogestrel™ and Norgestimate™. These contraceptives have lower doses of progesterone-like compounds with similar protection against pregnancy. As well, they have been shown to have fewer side effects such as weight gain, fluid retention, headaches and unwanted hair growth.

In 1995, researches discovered that these third generation pills are linked to a higher risk of forming blood clots in the legs, medically known as “deep venous thrombosis” or DVT.

Recent studies reported that third generation pills has development of 4 DVTs in 10,000 compared to 2 in 10,000 users. It is important to note that the increase in DVTs due to third generation progestin pills was not associated with Norgestimate™. The increased risk was demonstrated with Desogestrel™ and Gestodene™ .

However, it appears that third generation pills may be better than second generation in terms of heart disease protection and blood sugars level.


Third generation pills using Desogestre™ and Gestodene™ should be used with great caution by women who:

• have a history of DVTs or a strong family history of blood clots in the legs.
• are significantly/very overweight.
• Third generation birth control pills may be a good choice for women:
• with a family history of heart disease or high blood pressure.
• who want reduced “minor” effects such as weight gain, headaches, hair growth and breakthrough bleeding.

http://www.familyhealthonline.ca/fho/womenshealth/WH_thenewpill_FHb97.asp