Planned Parenthood points out that fewer than 1 out of 100 women will get pregnant if birth-control pills are used as directed. While effective, birth-control pills can cause side effects in a small subgroup of users. The side effects are particularly dangerous for smokers who are older than 35. If you smoke, let your doctor know about it before starting birth-control pills.
Birth-control pills are taken daily.
Birth Control Pills
According to Planned Parenthood, birth-control pills contain estrogen and progestin. These hormones work by preventing a woman's ovary from releasing eggs, hence preventing pregnancy. The hormones can also thicken a woman's cervical mucus, which blocks sperm.
Side Effects of Birth-Control Pills
Planned Parenthood points out that serious side effects are rare among birth-control pill users. While fatal side effects are rare, they can include heart attack, stroke and blood clots. Other side effects include high blood pressure, liver tumors, gallstones and jaundice. According to Planned Parenthood, the likelihood of developing these side effects increases if you smoke.
Smoking and High Blood Pressure
Planned Parenthood warms that smokers who already have high blood pressure should not take birth-control pills. Because the pill may cause an elevation in blood pressure as a side effect, those who already have blood pressure are advised not to take the pill and risk a further increase.
Women Over 35
The Mayo Clinic advises that women over the age of 35 who smoke should not take birth-control pills. The combination of smoking and birth-control medication in this age group increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. If you smoke, you may have to quit before being able to start a birth-control program.
Discuss with Your Doctor
If you are concerned about smoking's interaction with your birth-control regime, be sure to talk to your doctor. She will advise you on safe birth-control medications, let you know about the potentially dangerous interactions that can occur if you smoke and will offer advice on quitting your habit.
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