Contraceptive Thrombosis Risk: “The Public Needs Better Access to Advice” | Contraception and Family Planning

According to experts, women need more information about contraceptive options. AstraZeneca Covid Jab prompted discussion about the side effects caused by certain forms of pills.

On Wednesday, the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said there was stronger evidence that jabs could cause a rare blood clotting syndrome. As a result, the UK’s Joint Committee on Immunization and Immunization (JCVI) recommended it to healthy people under the age of 30 who are at low risk for Covid. Another vaccine should be provided if possible..

However, the announcement prompted numerous posts on social media questioning why there were so few comments about complex hormonal contraceptives.

These methods, including certain tablets, vaginal rings, and patches, include the forms of estrogen and progesterone hormones and are associated with an increased risk of blood clots, including: Deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism Dural venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) – A very rare thrombus in the brain.

Talk on ITV Good morning england Professor Adam Finn, a member of JCVI, confirmed the difference in risk.

“The risk of thrombosis associated with taking pills is much higher than the risk just seen on these slides. [relating to the rare blood clots from the AstraZeneca vaccine],” He said.

According to a 2014 report by the European Medicines Agency, the risk of venous thrombosis is 5-12 per 10,000 women taking hormonal contraceptives for one year, whereas such contraceptives are used. Two cases per 10,000 women who are not using it per year.

Concerns about the Oxford / AstraZeneca vaccine focus on specific blood coagulation syndromes, including cases of CVST with low platelets. According to the latest MHRA figures, the incidence of blood coagulation syndrome is about 4 per million vaccinated people. This number is not unique to women of reproductive age.

Sexual health professionals emphasize the need to improve access to information on contraceptive options.

Jonathan Lord, UK Health Director of MSI Reproductive Choices, said: For those with higher risk factors, there are alternative oral contraceptives that do not increase the risk of coagulation and work best. ”

According to NHS advice, women should not take hormonal contraceptives in combination. They are over 35 years old and smoke, Or have a specific medical condition.

“The key factor is the immediate availability of contraception and quality advice,” said the Lord. “It is a priority to have access to this and to have a very effective and convenient long-acting reversible method available without waiting for a long time.”

Unification of clinical efficacy of sexual and reproductive faculties on Thursday health (FSRH) has released guidance pointing out that it is not clear whether the risk of rare coagulation syndrome associated with astraZeneca jab may be affected by the combination of hormonal contraceptives. However, the unit recommended that such contraceptive users did not stop using it when they obtained the first or second Covid-19 vaccine.

Experts also emphasize that the risk of blood clots remains low among people using complex hormonal contraceptives. They said women should not suddenly give up contraception, especially during and after pregnancy, because the risk of blood clots was much higher.

Claire Murphy, Chief Executive Officer of the UK Pregnancy Advisory Services, said: [associated with] Oral contraceptives do not pave the way for 1995 repetition Fear of pills, It led to a significant increase in unplanned pregnancies. ”

Diana Mansour, vice president of FSRH, said there are several reasons why women choose to use hormonal contraceptives, such as managing their period and eliminating acne. There are many contraceptives that do not increase the risk of blood clots, such as tablets and implants that contain only synthetic progesterone, but they have other advantages and disadvantages.

However, a report released in 2020 revealed that British women are struggling with contraception. The pandemic made the situation worseThere are problems such as long waiting times and lack of GP trained to fit long-acting reversible contraceptives such as implants. Studies have also affected transgender and non-binary individuals.

Cynthia Graham, a professor of sexual and reproductive health at the University of Southampton, said that while some women sought compound pills, others were the only contraceptives offered by health care providers other than condoms. He said it could be.

Both Graham and Mansour said complex hormonal contraceptives should continue to be offered. However, they supported calls for greater access to consultations on various forms of contraception.

“One method is not suitable for everyone,” Mansour said. “It’s a personal choice.”