Contraceptives, which are used by women around the globe, contain female hormones which prevent ovulation (the release of an egg).

A new study suggests this highly reliable method of birth control may pose an unseen danger. Women who use birth control pills, the patch, or other hormonal contraceptives for at least five years may be increasing their risk of developing a rare tumor of the brain, Danish researchers say.

For the study, researchers decided to pinpoint just one cancer, glioma (a rare brain tumor), and one age group, premenopausal women. The team dipped into Denmark’s national administrative and health registries, which enabled them to identify any woman, between age 15 and 49, who had been diagnosed with glioma during the years 2000 through 2009.

After discovering 317 cases in the database, they compared each of these women with eight age-and-education matched women without gliomas, a total of 2,126 “controls.”

“A nearly two-fold increased risk of glioma was observed among long term users of hormonal contraceptives,” the authors wrote in their study. Among younger women who had used hormonal contraceptives — defined as two or more filled prescriptions for most methods — they found “a moderately increased risk of glioma.”

Birth Control Also Tied to “False” Brain Tumor

Glioma is not the only brain disease linked to birth control use. Pseudotumor Cerebri (PTC), literally means “false brain tumor.” Pseudotumor Cerebri is also called “benign intracranial hypertension” (BIH) or, when there is no apparent cause to the condition, “idiopathic intracranial hypertension” (IIH). Certain medications can increase the risk of developing this condition, with birth control being one of the most common causes.

Symptoms of False Brain Tumor

Pseudotumor Cerebri, or “false” brain tumor is pressure from cerebrospinal fluid in the skull that mimics symptoms of a brain tumor without a tumor being present. Pressure on the brain or optic nerve, or a swollen optic nerve (papilleodema) are responsible for many symptoms.

False brain tumor symptoms include:

• Headaches/migraines
• Nausea/vomiting
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision, double vision, or vision loss (blind spots) in one or both eyes
• Tinnitus (a ringing, whooshing, pulsing, or buzzing sound in one or both ears)
• Neck, shoulder, or back pain/stiffness
• Cognitive problems (forgetfulness)
• Depression
• Motor neurological problems (difficulty walking)

These false brain tumor symptoms are often more intense following physical activity. PTC is usually diagnosed via an eye exam, MRI or CT Scan, or spinal tap (lumbar puncture) procedure.

Pseudotumor Cerebri Treatment

For some, symptoms of PTC will lessen and disappear on their own, for others conditions can disappear then reappear at a later date. In serious cases, medical intervention is required. Treatments include: dietary restrictions/changes, shunting procedures, surgery, and medication.

One of the most serious complications of this condition happens when too much pressure is placed on optic nerve. If the nerve is damaged, permanent blindness or vision loss can be a result.

The Pseudotumor Cerebri Birth Control Link

PTC was linked to birth control as far back as 1995. Pseudotumor cerebri lawsuits claim that birth control pills and IUD manufacturers did not make these risks known to the public.

The following contraceptive devices and medications have been the subject of pseudotumor cerebri birth control lawsuits:

• Yaz
• Yasmin
• Beyaz
• Ocella
• Mirena (IUD)
• NuvaRing (vaginal ring)
• Ortho Evra (birth control patch)
• Depo-Provera (birth control shot)
• Implanon or Nexplanon (subdermal implant)
• ParaGard (copper IUD)
• Safyral
• Gianvi

Pseudotumor Cerebri Lawsuit Information

Birth control lawsuits are currently being filed by women who have developed pseudotumor cerebri following the use of oral contraceptives or birth control implants or IUDs. Those who qualify can receive compensation for pain and suffering, medical bills, loss of wages, and more.

If you or a loved one has developed pseudotumor cerebri or a “false tumor” following birth control use, you may be able to obtain compensation for your pain and suffering by filing a pseudotumor cerebri birth control lawsuit.