Minimizing Risk for Thromboembolic Events Associated with Hormonal Contraception

Thromboembolism is rare with progestin-only contraceptives.

Thromboembolic events are among the most worrisome complications of hormonal contraception. To review the literature on clot risk with progestin-only contraception, investigators conducted a meta-analysis of eight observational studies including a total of 147 women with diagnoses of venous thromboembolism (VTE) while using progestin-only contraception.

Overall, women using progestin-only contraception were not more likely than women using nonhormonal contraception to experience VTE. Subgroup analysis confirmed the lack of association between progestin-containing intrauterine devices (IUDs) or progestin-only pills and VTE. However, data on the effects of injectable or implantable contraceptives remain more limited: Of the two case-control st…

Reviewing Author

Eleanor Bimla Schwarz, MD, MS

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardPlanned Parenthood Federation of America

Grant/Research SupportSociety of Family Planning; California Department of Public Health Tobacco Control Program

Editorial BoardsContraception; Journal of General Internal Medicine

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCouncil Member, Society of General Internal Medicine