I'll try to speak on behalf of the MDs opposed to the general population using Aspirin at all. I think the main reason is that it's easier to take risks for you

I'll try to speak on behalf of the MDs opposed to the general population using Aspirin at all. I think the main reason is that it's easier to take risks for yourself where you'd be hesitant to exposing someone else to the same risk. And they do have a point. People with bio/medical knowledge are probably able to recognize signs such as stomach problems and act accordingly, but they can't really expect patients to. Aspirin messes up coagulation beyond belief. While that is a boon to some people, issuing a blanket blessing of the substance means people will die in emergency rooms and on operating tables, people who could have been saved if they weren't on ASS. For most MDs, weighing that statistical certainty against a comparatively fuzzy list of preventive benefits which may or may not be favorable for some patients is not a hard decision to make. Hence the verdict: "don't use it, even though I myself do use it". Again, accepting this for yourself can be an informed decision, but it's not one you want to make on behalf of the general population. In my case, it's similar. I judge my risk factors in a way that Aspirin is more likely to prolong my healthy life, but I know there is increased risk of complications in other areas. I have no doubt that 90% of all GPs when asked would categorize my taking 250mg per day as abuse.