Contraception and Venous Thromboembolism: Risk Factors and Clinical Considerations

Abstract

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a known risk with some forms of hormonal contraception, and should be considered by health care providers when counselling patients about their contraceptive options. Various other risk factors exist for VTE, including family history of VTE and a personal history of VTE or thrombophilia. This article will summarize various known risk factors for VTE, as well as what is known about the VTE risk imparted by the use of different contraceptives.