Key considerations on contraception in rheumatic disease
- • Contraception is the key to ensuring optimized timing and safety of pregnancy.
- • Risk of venous thromboembolism with pregnancy is higher than with any contraceptive.
- • Long-acting reversible contraceptives (implants and intrauterine devices (IUDs) have the highest efficacy.
- • Both progesterone-containing implants and IUDs are safe in women with high clotting risk.
- • Estrogen-containing contraceptives should be avoided in women with aPLAs, even with no history of clot or other clotting risk factors.
- • Women with stable SLE, no aPLAs or clotting risk factors, and no history of clot may use estrogen-containing oral contraceptives.
- • Contraceptive decisions should include the patient, gynecology, and rheumatology.
