Oral Contraceptives and Venous Thromboembolism : Consensus Opinion from an International Workshop held in Berlin, Germany in December 2009 (original) (raw)

2010, Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care

AI-generated Abstract

The consensus opinion formed during an international workshop addresses the concerns related to the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) associated with oral contraceptives (OCs), particularly the newer formulations. Historical episodes, such as the 'third-generation pill scare', highlight the repercussions of heightened awareness on prescribing practices, leading to unnecessary cessation of effective contraceptive methods and increased unplanned pregnancies. While VTE events are rare among OC users, the workshop emphasizes the need for continued research to develop clinical prediction models, assess biochemical markers, and evaluate the safety of new contraceptive innovations. Individualized risk assessments are advocated to ensure that the benefits of hormonal contraception are effectively balanced against potential risks, reinforcing that for the majority of women, the advantages of using combined oral contraceptives significantly outweigh the low risks of serious side effects.