What is a potential complication of oral contraceptives for women who smoke more than 15 cigarettes per day?

Choosing the increased risk of thrombosis as the correct answer highlights a significant health concern associated with oral contraceptive use, particularly in women who smoke heavily. Research has established a clear link between the use of estrogen-containing contraceptives and an increased risk of blood clot formation, also known as thrombosis. This risk is further compounded in women who smoke more than 15 cigarettes per day because smoking is itself a risk factor for vascular diseases, including thrombosis.

The interaction between the hormones in oral contraceptives and the harmful effects of smoking, such as increased blood viscosity and potential damage to endothelial cells, raises the likelihood of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and other thrombotic events. As a result, healthcare providers often advise women who smoke, particularly heavy smokers, to consider alternative forms of contraception that do not pose the same level of risk.

The other options, while they may be concerns related to oral contraceptive use or smoking separately, do not carry the same critical nature regarding acute health risks as thrombosis. Unwanted weight gain might be seen as a common side effect of some contraceptives, but it is not a life-threatening complication. Higher likelihood of ovarian cancer is more commonly associated with the long-term use of