Contraceptive choices in women with coagulation disorders

When compared with older reports on the thromboembolic effects of high-dose oral contraceptives, new studies with low-dose oral contraceptives have a significantly reduced risk of thromboembolism. In the absence of risk factors such as smoking or inherited disorders predisposing to thrombosis, the modern low-dose oral contraceptive (< 50 micrograms of estrogen) is a safe and effective choice for contraception in women without symptoms who have family histories of sporadic thromboembolism. An intrauterine device or some form of barrier method is recommended for women who have a personal history of venous thrombus disease. The low-dose oral contraceptive may be a good choice in women taking oral anticoagulants because of the risk of teratogenic effects of anticoagulants and the risks of intraperitoneal bleeding associated with ovulation. In addition, oral contraceptives help diminish the excessive menstrual bleeding often seen in these women.