What are the rare but serious complications of some birth control methods?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Rare but serious complications of birth control can include blood clots linked to oral contraceptives, which may lead to deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or stroke. Intrauterine devices (IUDs) carry a small risk of device-related injuries such as uterine perforation, expulsion, or migration into surrounding tissue.

Because symptoms of these complications—like leg pain, shortness of breath, severe pelvic pain, or unusual bleeding—can overlap with less serious conditions, it's important to identify warning signs early. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you understand what your symptoms may mean and guide your next steps, whether that's self-care, seeing a doctor, or seeking urgent care. Taking a few minutes now could bring clarity, peace of mind, and faster access to the right care.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if birth control complications need care Discover likely causes of your birth control symptoms See if your symptoms suggest a serious issue Find OTC relief for birth control side effects Find a doctor for birth control concerns Learn home remedies for birth control side effects Find out if birth control caused symptoms

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Explanation

Birth control methods can sometimes have serious complications, though these are rare.

Oral Contraceptives:

Blood Clots: One serious issue is the risk of blood clots, like a pulmonary embolus, which is when a clot travels to the lungs. This can happen in people taking oral contraceptives.
Liver Problems: Oral contraceptives can also cause problems with the liver and gallbladder, known as hepatobiliary complications. These can include liver damage or issues with bile flow.

Intrauterine Devices (IUDs):

Cervical Perforation: IUDs can sometimes cause injuries such as chronic cervical perforation, where the device can push through the cervix. This can lead to pain and other complications.

These complications are uncommon but important to be aware of when considering birth control options. If you're experiencing unusual symptoms or side effects, you can check your symptoms to better understand what might be happening and when to seek medical care.

(References)

Key JD, Hammill WW, & Everett L. (1992). Pulmonary embolus in an adolescent on oral contraceptives. The Journal of adolescent health : official publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine, 1290774.
Lindberg MC. (1992). Hepatobiliary complications of oral contraceptives. Journal of general internal medicine, 1336797.
Koltan SO, Tamay AG, & Yildirim Y. (2010). Chronic cervical perforation by an intrauterine device. Journal of the Chinese Medical Association : JCMA, 20603091.

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