Subcutaneous progestogen implants and progestogen pills are options, as well as hormonal and copper IUDs (if in a stable sexual partnership and with no increased susceptibility to infections).
Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) are not recommended because of the increased risks of thromboembolism.
COCs are absolutely contraindicated if the disease is in poorly controled.
Preparations containing drospirenone are considered to have a favourable effect on blood pressure.
There are only few studies performed in hypertensive patients.
Thromboembolic diseases
COCs are contraindicated.
Further tests (laboratory tests of haemostasis) are indicated before prescribing such products in cases with a strong family history of thromboembolism, even without previous thromboembolic complication in the patient herself Evaluation of Thrombophilia
COCs may impair the response to insulin. Therefore, it is important to check glycaemic control after beginning to take a COC.
Low-oestrogen COCs are safe in young, nulliparous women (spotting may be a sign of insufficient hormone contents); IUDs are also possible alternatives.
COCs are contraindicated in patients with organ damage.
No impact on the selection of contraceptive methods
Neurological diseases
Migraine and headaches
COCs worsen the symptoms of migraine in one in three patients. An IUD or progestin-only contraceptive methods is an alternative in such cases.
Because of the possibly increased risk of thrombosis, COCs are contraindicated for women of any age who have migraine with aura and for women over 35 years of age who have migraine without auraRisk of Ischaemic Stroke in People with Migraine.
If headaches become worse during the use of a COC, it should be withdrawn.
Phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, primidone and paramethadione induce steroid-metabolizing enzymes, possibly lowering hormone levels and thus increasing the risk of pregnancy in women using hormonal contraception.
Benzodiazepines or valproate are not associated with such an effect and can therefore be combined with COCs.
According to some studies, COCs have been associated with an increased tendency to depression but the association is weak and high-quality studies are needed.
Other diseases
Rheumatic diseases and other autoimmune diseases
All contraceptive products can be used by patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
It has been suggested that body weight over 85-90 kg and/or BMI over 30-35 kg/m2 decreases the efficacy of COCs. Evidence from prospective studies is, however, still lacking Hormonal Contraception in Overweight or Obese Women.
Overweight is also associated with the risk of hypertension and hence an increase in the risk of thrombosis.
Cancer
COCs are believed to increase the risk of recurrence of hormone-dependent breast cancer or promote the spread of the disease.
A history of breast cancer is a contraindication for hormonal contraception. A copper IUD is the preferable mode of contraception.
In most other types of cancer, there is insufficient data available on restrictions or recommendations related to the use of hormonal contraception.
If postcoital contraception is needed for a woman with hormone-dependent cancer, a copper IUD is recommended.
Renal diseases
Hypertension associated with renal disease may affect the choice of contraceptive method.
Asthma
No impact on the choice of contraceptive method
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