The short explanation
Migraines with aura, where you see flashing lights, zigzags or other visual changes before the headache, matter for contraception. For women who have migraine with aura, the combined pill, which contains oestrogen, is usually not recommended, because it can increase the risk of stroke. There are many other effective options that do not contain oestrogen, such as the progestogen-only pill, the injection, the implant, the hormonal IUD and the Copper T. These are generally considered suitable for women with migraine with aura. Make sure your doctor knows about your migraines before choosing a method.
What depends on your situation
The parts of this that change from woman to woman. Uncertainty is stated, not hidden.
- Migraines without aura are treated differently; the combined pill may be possible for some women after a doctor's assessment.
- Other factors that affect pill safety include smoking, high blood pressure, age over 35 and a history of blood clots.
- If you notice new or worsening migraines on any hormonal method, tell your doctor.
What this answer cannot determine
The boundary of online education. These need a clinician who can see you.
- This answer cannot tell which method suits you. Your doctor can assess your migraines and health history.
Questions for your clinician
Take these with you. You can add any of them to an appointment card.
- Is the combined pill safe with my type of migraine?
- Which methods are suitable for me?
- Does my smoking or blood pressure affect my options?
- What should I do if my migraines change?
When to seek help
Clinician-approved guidance for this topic. When in doubt, being seen is never the wrong choice.
Emergency — call 112 now
- Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have sudden weakness, numbness, face drooping, difficulty speaking or the worst headache of your life.
Book an appointment soon
- See a doctor within a few days if your migraines become more frequent or change pattern.
Raise it at a routine appointment
- Book a routine appointment to choose a contraceptive method that suits your migraines.
Sources
The evidence this explanation is built on.
Who wrote and reviewed this
Every AskHer answer names its author. A clinically reviewed answer also names the clinician who signed it off — if no clinician is named below, it has not been clinically reviewed.
- Author
- AskHer Editorial (AI-assisted draft) AskHer's editorial team — not an individual clinician Works in English, தமிழ், हिन्दी
- Clinical reviewer
- Nobody yet No clinician has signed this answer off, and no person on the editorial team has read it yet. That is what the “Written with AI assistance” label means. It is queued for an editor to read, and then for a clinician who works in this area. The sources it was drafted against are listed above.
- Review status
- Written with AI assistance — not yet reviewed by a person
- Last reviewed
- Not yet reviewed by a person
- Version
- 1
Correction history
Substantive changes are listed, not quietly edited away.
No corrections have been made since this answer was first published.
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