When it comes to choosing the right contraceptive method, women with congenital heart disease require individual counseling. A study by the Competence Network unveiled a certain degree of ignorance.

Choosing the Wrong Contraceptive Method is Dangerous

Not every contraceptive method is suitable for each woman with congenital heart disease. In the case of certain heart defects, the wrong contraceptive method can even be a real health hazard. 37 percent of the women surveyed were on a birth control pill. Followed by condoms (26 percent), it was the most frequently used contraceptive. 12 percent of the study participants used a contraceptive coil, while 11 percent used the mini-pill. Especially women with cyanotic heart defects and Eisenmenger-syndrome frequently used contraceptives that were not suitable for them and might pose a health risk in such cases.

Poorly Informed

Furthermore, the study uncovered that almost 70 percent of the women surveyed had either not received advice regarding contraceptive methods and their potential risks at all, or they had to specifically ask their treating physician for this kind of information. For women with congenital heart disease to choose the right mode of contraception they should address their treating cardiologist, as well as their gynecologist, for respective counseling.