What link has been suggested between contraceptive injections and brain tumors?

Doctors suggested a link between Kerry Sharples' prolonged use of medroxyprogesterone contraceptive injections and her diagnosis of four brain tumors, advising her to stop the injections.

What are the potential risks associated with long-term medroxyprogesterone injections?

Prolonged use of medroxyprogesterone injections, especially at high doses, is associated with a rare, small increased risk of developing a type of brain tumor called meningioma.

What advice is given to women considering contraceptive injections like medroxyprogesterone?

It is advised that women research birth control options thoroughly, as prolonged use of certain injections may carry rare risks, and to speak with a doctor about any concerns.

Home / Health / Birth Control Injection Linked to Four Brain Tumors

Birth Control Injection Linked to Four Brain Tumors

8 Mar

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Summary

Woman diagnosed with four brain tumors after 21 years of injections.
Doctors suggest a link between injections and the meningioma diagnosis.
Patient urges others to research birth control options thoroughly.

Birth Control Injection Linked to Four Brain Tumors

Kerry Sharples, a 45-year-old teaching assistant from Crewe, Cheshire, has revealed her devastating diagnosis of four brain tumors, the largest measuring 3.5cm. Her medical journey began with ear pain last year, eventually leading to an MRI scan in October 2025, which uncovered the meningiomas. Doctors suggested a connection between her prolonged use of medroxyprogesterone contraceptive injections, spanning 21 years, and the tumors. This type of injection, particularly with long-term use, is known to carry a rare risk of meningioma. Kerry expressed regret over her choice, stating she initially opted for the injections to avoid periods and was not adequately warned about potential risks, including the possibility of fatal outcomes or vision loss. She has since stopped the injections in December 2025 and awaits a follow-up MRI in March 2026 to monitor the tumor size. Sharples is now advocating for greater awareness, urging women to research birth control methods thoroughly. Regulatory bodies like the MHRA and NICE acknowledge a rare, small increased risk of meningioma with prolonged high doses of medroxyprogesterone, with product information updated in 2024 and early 2025 to reflect these findings and advise discontinuation if meningioma is diagnosed.

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