Contraceptive choices in women with coagulation disorders
Article Abstract:
Concerns about the link between oral contraceptives (OCs) and blood clots have somewhat diminished since the 1960s. This is probably due to the reformulation of the pills so that they have a lower estrogen content and the re-evaluation of some of the original studies. The association between low estrogen OCs and heart disease is insignificant. However, smoking is strongly linked to heart disease and women who take OCs should not smoke. In the past, women were often advised to stop using OCs 30 days before having surgery under the assumption that OCs increased the risk of post-operative blood clots. This may not be necessary today due to the lower doses of estrogen in the pills and the development of alternative methods to manage post-operative clotting. Women with a certain class of antibodies, known as antiphospholipids, who have previously had a blood clot should not use OCs. Women taking anticoagulants may benefit from OCs because they may reduce hemorrhage risks and the amount of blood lost from menstrual flow.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1993
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Recommendations of a consensus panel
Article Abstract:
Doctors should not prescribe oral contraceptives for women who smoke heavily and are older than 35. These women have a greatly increased risk of abnormal blood clotting, which could cause heart attack or stroke. If the woman insists, the doctor can prescribe a contraceptive with the lowest dose of estrogen.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1999
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