Can you donate blood if you’re on birth control?

Dr Kamini Rao tells you if you can donate blood when you're on birth control.

Women on oral contraceptives or using any other forms of birth control are eligible to donate blood, according to Dr. Kamini Rao, Medical Director, Milann. In fact, it is also safe for a woman on HRT (hormone replacement therapy) to do so. However, in the case of someone who is on a long-term medication, it is best to check with your healthcare provider for the same. It is a general rule to refrain from donating blood for at least one week after completing a short-term course of medication and in the case of antibiotics, it is suggested that you defer donating blood for approximately two weeks.

There are some specific criteria for blood donation to make it a safe procedure. A person should be between 18 and 60 years. One should not be diagnosed with HIV + or any blood clotting disorder, such as hemophilia. Pregnant women are also advised not to donate blood. There are advised to wait for at least six weeks after giving birth. Read more about Can you donate blood if you have a skin disease?

Things to take care of before donating blood for someone who is taking birth control:

A person who is taking birth control is eligible to donate blood. One has to follow few criteria before registering for blood donation.

• The minimum haemoglobin count should be 12.5gm.
• A person should weigh more than 45kg
• The pulse rate must be between 50 and 100 per minute, without any irregularities in the pulse.
• The person should not have donated blood within the last three months.
• The person must not have consumed alcohol within the last 9 hour of donating blood.
• The person should not have any history of chronic disease. Read here Can you donate blood if you have cold, fever or flu?

Things to take care of after donating blood for someone who is taking birth control:

• One should take rest after donating blood.
• Eating food that is high in protein content is a must.
• Having juices high in sugar content will help to rejuvenate the blood sugar back up.
• Avoid doing any heavy work that requires physical strength.

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