Exclusive: Mother of Two Diagnosed with Four Brain Tumours Following Long-Term Contraceptive Use
Kerry Sharples, a 45-year-old teaching assistant from Crewe in Cheshire, visited her GP last year complaining of pain in her left ear. Initially dismissing it as a viral infection after tests revealed nothing, she continued with her daily life until a pulsing sensation began in her right ear several months later.
During a routine check-up in August 2025, Kerry mentioned this new symptom, prompting her doctor to order multiple blood tests and an MRI scan. The results delivered a devastating blow: Kerry was diagnosed with four brain tumours in October 2025.
Shocking Diagnosis and Contraceptive Connection
The tumours were confirmed to be benign meningiomas, with the largest measuring 3.5cm behind her right eye. What made the diagnosis particularly shocking was what doctors reportedly told Kerry next: there were established links between her brain tumours and the contraceptive injections she had been receiving for 21 years.
"I was in complete shock when I saw my diagnosis," Kerry revealed. "I was like 'what does this mean?' I still don't know if I've completely dealt with it."
According to NHS guidance, using medroxyprogesterone contraceptive injections for three years or longer may increase the risk of developing meningioma, though such cases remain rare. Kerry's doctors advised her to stop the injections immediately, which she did in December 2025.
Regrets and Warnings About Birth Control
Kerry now expresses deep regret about her contraceptive choices, stating she would "take the period any day now" over her current health battle. She began the injections shortly after giving birth to her daughter, primarily to avoid menstrual periods.
"I regret taking these injections," she admitted. "It sounds so silly now that I just didn't want the periods and stayed on it and now I've got four brain tumours. I'd take the periods any day now."
The mother of two claims she was never adequately warned about the potential risks, saying she was "a bit naive to look into it but you just presume you're getting it from the doctors so you're okay." She believes she could have faced blindness or even death if she hadn't pursued medical attention when she did.
Symptoms and Ongoing Monitoring
Aside from the ear pain and pulsing sensation, Kerry reports experiencing memory issues and occasional hand tremors, which she previously attributed to premenopausal symptoms. She is currently awaiting a second MRI scan in March to determine whether the tumours have grown since her diagnosis.
"I'm hoping they shrink or just don't grow now I'm off it," she said, referring to the contraceptive injections. "I think it could have been a possibility that it would be fatal as I would have just kept having the injection, so the tumours would just keep growing."
Calls for Greater Awareness and Research
Kerry now wants to spread awareness about potential contraceptive risks and urges others to thoroughly research birth control options before making decisions. She emphasizes that while she doesn't want to scare people, they need to be aware of what these medications can potentially cause.
"It's really unfair," she stated. "I know there's side effects to everything. But I just feel like it's very much like 'you've got that and just deal with it and get on with it.'"
She questions why the risks weren't brought to her attention earlier, particularly given that she had been using the injections for over two decades. "Why was that not brought to my attention even in 2024? Why has it not been told to me?" she asked.
Official Guidance and Manufacturer Responses
In October 2024, one manufacturer along with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency acknowledged a small increased risk of developing meningioma with high doses of medroxyprogesterone, primarily after prolonged use. They emphasized that meningiomas remain rare and absolute risks are very small.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has listed meningiomas as a potential side effect of high doses, particularly with long-term use, and advises discontinuing the medication if meningioma is diagnosed.
A spokesperson for the MHRA stated: "Patient safety is our top priority. MHRA continuously monitors all licensed medicines for safety." They noted that product information was updated in 2024 and again in early 2025 with new advice and additional measures to manage the risk.
A Pfizer spokesperson added: "Patient safety is our top priority. We conduct rigorous and continuous monitoring of all our medicines." They emphasized that medroxyprogesterone acetate has been approved in more than 60 countries over 30 years with a well-established safety profile.
Kerry concludes with a heartfelt warning to others considering birth control options: "Just re-think and do your research. There are other options out there. I'm just going to stay off everything because I'm just wary of everything. You just don't know."
