Interní Med. 2010; 12(7-8): 369-371

Hormonal contraception and thrombophilic states

doc.MUDr.Martin Procházka, Ph.D.¹, MUDr.Jana Procházková²

¹ Porodnicko-gynekologická klinika FN a LF UP Olomouc

² Hemato-onkologická klinika FN a LF UP Olomouc

Combined hormonal contraception (CHC) is a contraceptive method based on the administration of an oestrogen-gestagen combination.

In addition to preventing pregnancy, the use of hormonal preparations has numerous other positive effects on a woman’s body: it

favourably affects the intensity of menstrual flow, particularly in women with hypermenorrhoea, and provides reliable bleeding control.

It significantly reduces the intensity of menstrual pain, particularly in girls with dysmenorrhoea and premenstrual syndrome. When used

in the long-term, CHC is reported to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. The use of these preparations is, however, associated with a

certain risk of complications, particularly deep vein thrombosis. The use of CHC is not contraindicated (not even relatively) in the case of

superficial varicose veins, superficial thrombophlebitis and family history of deep vein thrombosis. Absolute contraindications to the use

of contraception include antithrombin III deficiency, protein C deficiency, homozygous factor V Leiden and combinations of thrombophilic

mutations. Other thrombophilic mutations are only a relative contraindication. Screening tests for the presence of thrombophilic

mutations are not indicated in women prior to prescribing CHC. They are appropriate in women with a positive family history.

Keywords: contraception, thrombophilia, venous thrombosis

Published: August 12, 2010  Show citation