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Chapter 11 - Combined Hormonal Contraception

from Section 2A - Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare: Contraception

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 January 2024

By
Gabriele S. Merki-Feld  and
Frans J. M. E. Roumen
Edited by
Johannes Bitzer  and
Tahir A. Mahmood
Johannes Bitzer
Affiliation:
University Women's Hospital, Basel
Tahir A. Mahmood
Affiliation:
Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy
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Summary

Combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) contain a combination of an oestrogen and a progestin. On the European market they are available as a pill, vaginal ring or patch. Researchers recognised decades ago that the oestrogen component in the form of ethinylestradiol (EE) has a significant impact on the coagulation system which causes an increase in the risk of arterial and venous thromboembolic events. To reduce this risk, low-dose CHC have been developed containing ≤ 35 µg of EE. Higher-dose preparations should not be used anymore.

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Chapter
Information
Textbook of Contraception, Sexual and Reproductive Health , pp. 77 - 87
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2024

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