Overview
- The Neurology meta-analysis, published Wednesday, found no association between any hormonal contraceptive method and the prevalence of idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
- The review pooled 13 studies that included 5,351 people with the condition and 669,260 without it, with an average participant age of 33.
- Methods assessed ranged from pills and IUDs to rings, injections such as medroxyprogesterone, implants, and patches, and none showed increased risk.
- The authors warned that few eligible studies and some small sample sizes could hide small effects and limit findings in diverse groups.
- The conclusion counters years of inconsistent counseling that led some patients to avoid birth control and refocuses attention on known risks such as obesity.