The widespread use of vaping products and hormonal birth control raises important questions about their combined health effects. Vaping, or using electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), has grown in popularity, especially among young adults. Many individuals also rely on hormonal birth control for family planning. Understanding their combined health implications is important for informed health decisions.
Key Components in Vape Products
Vape products, also known as e-liquids or vape juice, contain several primary components that turn into an aerosol for inhalation. Nicotine is a central ingredient and a significant concern due to its physiological effects and addictive nature. Nicotine concentration can vary widely, with some pods containing as much as 40 mg, comparable to a pack of traditional cigarettes.
Other common substances in vape products include propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG). These compounds serve as carriers for nicotine and flavorings, creating the vapor when heated. While generally recognized as safe for consumption in food and cosmetics, their long-term effects when inhaled are still being studied. Flavorings are another common additive, but their inhalation effects are also under investigation.
Impact of Vaping on the Body
Vaping, particularly with nicotine, can have immediate physiological effects, notably on the cardiovascular system. Nicotine increases heart rate and blood pressure, and affects the ability of small blood vessels to expand. Studies show an average increase in heart rate from 66 to 73 beats per minute and blood pressure from 108 to 117 mmHg shortly after using nicotine e-cigarettes.
Nicotine also increases the risk of blood clot formation, known as thrombosis. Research indicates an average 23% increase in blood clots within 15 minutes of vaping with nicotine, with levels returning to normal after about 60 minutes. These effects on blood vessels and clotting are similar to those observed with traditional cigarette smoking and can contribute to the narrowing of blood vessels, potentially leading to heart attacks or strokes.
Risks When Combined with Hormonal Birth Control
Hormonal birth control, especially methods containing estrogen, carries an increased risk of blood clot formation. Estrogen influences various proteins, leading to increased plasma concentrations of clotting factors. This elevation promotes a state of hypercoagulability, making the blood more prone to clotting.
When vaping is combined with hormonal birth control, the risk of serious cardiovascular events is further elevated due to a synergistic effect. Both nicotine and estrogen independently increase the propensity for blood clot formation, and their combined action can significantly amplify this risk. This heightened risk can lead to severe health outcomes, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot in a deep vein, often in the leg, and pulmonary embolism (PE), a life-threatening condition where a blood clot travels to the lungs. The combination also increases the likelihood of arterial events such as stroke and heart attack.
Seeking Medical Advice
Individuals who are currently vaping and using hormonal birth control should consult a healthcare provider promptly. Open communication with medical professionals about all medications, supplements, and lifestyle habits, including vaping, is important for a comprehensive health assessment. A doctor can provide a personalized evaluation of individual risk factors for blood clots and other cardiovascular events.
Healthcare providers can discuss potential alternatives to estrogen-containing hormonal birth control, such as progestin-only options, which generally do not increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. They can also offer guidance and support for vaping cessation, utilizing strategies like nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or behavioral therapies. Establishing a quit date, identifying triggers, and using support tools like mobile apps or counseling can be helpful steps in the cessation process.