Summary:
Deep vein trombosis is a serious complication of oral contraception. The most serious complication, pulmonary embolism, could be lethal. The relative risk of tromboembolic disease is four time
higher in women using oral contraception. Both the amount of estrogen and the type of gestagen
can increase the relative risk of tromboembolic disease. Oral contraceptives influence procoagulants, fibrinolytic system and inhibitors of coagulation. The choice of oral contraceptive should be
very careful. It is advised to use preparations with less then 50 mg of ethinyl-estradiol and the type
of gestagen that has minimal metabolic side effects, including minimal effect on coagulation. It is
not recommended to perform screening of trombophilia before prescribing oral contraception.
Family history of trombosis is indication for more detailed investigation. However in the case of
positive history of tromboembolic disease use of oral contraception is contraindicated. Oral contraception users should be informed about increased risk of deep vein trombosis, and what to do
to prevent deep vein trombosis.
Key words:
Contraception - Thrombophil conditions - Thromboembolic complications - Oestrogen-
gestagen contraception
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