Title: A perspective on the concept of "risk".

POPLINE Document Number: 120355

Author(s):

Westhoff CL

Source citation:

DIALOGUES IN CONTRACEPTION, 1996 Fall;5(1):8-9.

Abstract:

Compared to the risks inherent in pregnancy and daily activities of living, the increased risk of nonfatal venous thromboembolism (VTE) among users of oral contraceptives (OCs) containing desogestrel and gestodene is relatively benign. About 20-30 cases of nonfatal VTE per 100,000 users of third-generation OCs containing these progestins can be expected compared to 10-15 cases per 100,000 users of levonorgestrel-containing OCs. Pregnancy, on the other hand, confers an increased risk of about 60 cases of nonfatal VTE per 100,000 women. Since OCs remain the most popular reversible method of birth control, their discontinuation because of VTE concerns would have serious public health consequences in terms of unwanted pregnancy prevention. Moreover, OCs confer a number of noncontraceptive health benefits, including protection against ovarian and endometrial cancer, osteoporosis, benign breast disease, ovarian cysts, and pelvic inflammatory disease. The lives saved by OCs should be considered in any analysis of the small VTE risk they may impart.

Keywords:

Oral Contraceptives, Combined
Gestodene
Desogestrel
Thromboembolism
Risk Factors
Side Effects
Oral Contraceptives, Side Effects
Contraceptive Agents, Side Effects
Women
Oral Contraceptives
Contraceptive Methods
Contraception
Family Planning
Contraceptive Agents, Progestin
Contraceptive Agents, Female
Contraceptive Agents
Embolism
Vascular Diseases
Diseases
Biology
Treatment
Contraceptive Safety
Safety
Public Health
Health
Demographic Factors
Population