Contraceptive options for women with metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a term used to describe the common sequelae found in the context of obesity and includes hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, dyslipidemia, and impaired glucose regulation, which lead to increased cardiovascular and metabolic risks. In women with metabolic syndrome, pregnancy planning is an important part of providing comprehensive health care. Therefore, clinicians must be aware of the safety and effectiveness of contraceptive options in this population. Guidelines presented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in June 2010 listed the criteria for medical eligibility for current contraceptive options. Because of the growing rate of obesity, many recent studies have focused on assessing contraceptive safety and effectiveness specifically in these patients. Depending on the severity of each patient's disease, these guidelines can assist clinicians in presenting an evidence-based review of the safest and most effective options while recognizing the risks and benefits of each. When considering contraceptive options, it is important to compare not only the risks of contraception methods themselves but also to the risks associated with pregnancy and the postpartum period. Many safe and effective options are available for patients, and some of the best choices are user-independent, long-acting methods.