Association of Contraception with Medical Conditions

This FSRH Statement responses to a recently published study by Meaidi et al. published on 06/09/2023 which used data from nationwide Danish databases to compare risk of first VTE events during use of hormonal contraception (HC) with that during concomitant use of HC and the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) ibuprofen, diclofenac or naproxen.

This statement is a response to a new observational study by Fitzpatrick et al. (March 2023) which investigated the association between current or recent use of combined oral and progestogen-only hormonal contraception and breast cancer risk.

Theramex, in agreement with the MHRA, has issued a direct healthcare professional communications (DHPC) letter relating to prescribing of Zoely®, a combined oral contraceptive containing estradiol in combination with 2.5mg of the progestogen nomegestrol acetate (NOMAC).

The guidance is a response to evidence indicating an association between use of preparations containing nomegestrol acetate at higher doses than in Zoely (3.75mg-5mg) and increased risk of intracranial meningioma.

There is not evidence relating directly to use of Zoely itself.

This statement is a response to new advice from the MHRA regarding use of cyproterone acetate and risk of meningioma.

A Danish database study suggests that children born to women who have used hormonal contraception (HC) in the three months prior to conception or in early pregnancy are at increased risk of developing childhood non-lymphoid leukaemia compared with children whose mothers have never used HC. The FSRH CEU provides a critical appraisal of the study in this statement.

Various news stories have reported the findings detailed in the AAN press release which stated that compared to women who did not use hormonal contraceptives, women who did, were 35 percent more likely to develop Multiple Sclerosis and that the findings suggested that hormonal contraception may be contributing to the rise in the rate of MS among women.