This content was archived by a fact-checker on 08 July 2025. Please refer to related fact-checking to determine its accuracy.
A common birth control pill has been linked to an increase in brain tumor risk.
A new study has found a small but measurable increase in the risk of brain tumors linked to long-term use of the contraceptive pill desogestrel.
The research, led by the French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety, focused on intracranial meningiomas — typically non-cancerous tumors that can cause neurological issues and sometimes require surgery.
For women who used desogestrel continuously for more than five years, the risk was estimated at 1 in 17,331, compared to 1 in 67,300 for those using it for a shorter duration.
The study does not establish direct causation but supports cautious long-term use. Importantly, the elevated risk disappeared after stopping the pill for a year, suggesting the condition may be reversible. In contrast, another synthetic hormone, levonorgestrel, showed no increased tumor risk, even after extended use. Health experts urge that this data should prompt informed conversations with medical professionals rather than alarm, particularly when considering contraceptive options tailored to individual health needs.