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Combined hormonal contraceptives: prescribing patterns, compliance, and benefits versus risks
1Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, SE-58185, Sweden.
Therapeutic Advances in Drug Safety
|November 1, 2014
Summary
Combined hormonal contraceptives (COCs) offer excellent pregnancy prevention but face compliance challenges. Despite risks like blood clots, COCs provide significant health benefits, including reduced cancer risk and improved gynecological conditions.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
Background:
- Combined hormonal contraceptives (COCs) have been widely used for over 50 years, with over 100 million users globally.
- Despite high usage, suboptimal compliance and discontinuation rates are significant issues affecting real-world efficacy.
- Media reports on risks, alongside actual side effects, contribute to user concerns and adherence problems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the overall health impact of combined hormonal contraceptives (COCs).
- To balance the identified risks with the additional health benefits associated with COC use.
- To emphasize the importance of comprehensive patient counseling regarding COC benefits and risks.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on combined oral contraceptives (COCs).
- Analysis of epidemiological data regarding COC-associated risks and benefits.
- Assessment of the impact of COCs on morbidity and quality of life.
Main Results:
- While COCs are associated with increased risks of venous and arterial thrombosis, and certain cancers, these risks are statistically low.
- COC use significantly reduces the risk of ovarian, endometrial, and colorectal cancers.
- COCs are effective treatments for heavy menstrual bleeding, dysmenorrhea, hirsutism, and acne vulgaris.
Conclusions:
- The additional health benefits of combined hormonal contraceptives (COCs) may outweigh the associated risks.
- Improved patient counseling on balanced risk-benefit profiles is crucial for enhancing compliance and continuation rates.
- COC use may contribute positively to overall women's health and potentially increase life expectancy.
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