Take 6: Complications of contraception with oestrogen

Women who have had venous thromboembolism or known thrombophilia should avoid medications containing oestrogen, says Dr Terri Foran

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Women who have had venous thromboembolism or known thrombophilia should avoid medications containing oestrogen, says Dr Terri Foran, a sexual health physician from Sydney.

These women should be refraining from the oral contraceptive pill and the vaginal ring, which both contain oestrogen.

“It is quite safe for them to take progesterone-only medications and that is certainly where I would be directing them.”

Progesterone-only methods include an implanon, progesterone only pill, Depo-Provera or a Mirena.

“Non-hormonal methods are also open to them as well. This would be things like a copper IUD or perhaps diaphragm or condom if that’s what they choose to use,” says Dr Foran.

Women who have a history of clotting may be anti-coagulated and this may complicate the insertion of an implanon or Mirena due to bleeding.

“I would suggest that those patients be referred to someone who is very experienced in managing that,” says Dr Foran.

Watch the full video here.