Combined oral contraceptives: update recommendations of the Latin American contraceptive association

Figures & data

Table 1. Advantages of oral contraceptives.

High contraceptive efficacy

Rapid reversibility

Regulation of the menstrual cycle

Decreases menstrual blood loss

Decreases dysmenorrhea

Reduction of ovarian and endometrial cancer risk

Suppresses ovulation

Decrease chronic pelvic pain disorders or related to endometriosis.

Prevent ovarian cysts

Prevent hyperandrogenism (acne, hirsutism, androgenic alopecia, polycystic ovary syndrome or congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency)

Other disorders act as such as hormone therapy in women with primary hypogonadism or premature ovarian failure.

Depending on the patient’s profile, it improves bone health.

Table 2. Risks or side effects of COCs. Non-beneficial effects of oral contraceptives.

Breast tenderness, nausea and bloating that may occur when starting oral contraceptives. These resolve quickly and without medication

Unscheduled bleeding, which usually resolves within the first three months

Mood swings

Weight gain (although, there is no evidence that oral contraceptives cause weight gain)

Venous thromboembolism

Cardiovascular risk

Breast cancer risk (controversial). Cancer risk (This is a matter of debate due to conflicting data)

Impact on the acquisition of sexually transmitted infections

Possible negative effects on sexual desire

Figure 1. Gestagens classification according to its molecule of origin.

Data availability statement

Data sharing not applicable – no new data generated.

Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no new data were created or analyzed in this study.