Can taking oral contraceptive pill cause a lump in breast?

Question

Hi doctor,

A few weeks ago I found out that I had a lump growing in my breast. I went for a check and had it removed and found out it was a fibroadenoma. I have been on oral contraceptives for past five months, Gedarel 20/150. However, I do not know if I should continue taking them as it is said to possibly cause these lumps.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Hormonal contraceptives have side effects as well and it is not better to use for years as can give long-term side effects. Gedarel (Desogestrel and Ethinyl estradiol) is combined hormonal contraceptives and should be avoided in many conditions like obesity, age more than 35 years, migraine, systemic lupus erythematosus, history of breast and endometrial cancer, endometrial hyperplasia, venous thromboembolism, etc. It can increase chances of stroke, dyslipidemia, stroke, hypertension, VTE (venous thromboembolism), etc. You already had a breast lump, not mentioned your family history regarding breast cancer.It is better to have some other contraceptives containing Progesterone only to reduce long-term side effects. Progesterone only contraceptives also have side effects if used for a long time but some patient can have symptoms on short term use as well like irregular bleeding or spotting, so better to avoid for years.