Factor V Leiden and Prothrombin G20210a Mutations as Thromboembolic Risk Factors in Hormonal Contraceptive Users

Abstract Thromboembolism, where blood clots block blood vessels, is a serious health concern with potentially life-threatening consequences. Both hormonal birth control and specific genetic mutations, namely Factor V Leiden (FVL) and Prothrombin G20210A (PT G20210A), are the established risk factors for these clotting events. This review seeks to examine how these genetic mutations affect the risk of thromboembolism in women using hormonal contraceptives. To find studies relating genetic mutations to blood clot risk in women using hormonal contraceptives, a detailed search was performed on PubMed and Google Scholar, using appropriate keywords. Data extracted included study design, participant numbers, prevalence of the mutations, and the occurrence of thromboembolic events. This review compiles the findings from various studies, revealing a significantly increased risk of venous thromboembolism in women with FVL and PT G20210A mutations who use hormonal contraceptives. Key findings included higher rates of these mutations and increased odds of clotting events in mutation carriers using hormonal birth control. In conclusion, the reviewed evidence consistently shows that FVL and PT G20210A mutations significantly raise the risk of thromboembolism in women using hormonal contraceptives.