Contraception in women with medical conditions

Pregnancy can result in both maternal and fetal morbidity in women with medical conditions, making the provision of contraception a crucial part of their care. Obstetricians and gynaecologists will frequently encounter these women in the outpatient and inpatient settings and will be expected to have knowledge of the safest and most effective methods of contraception for that individual. The UK medical eligibility criteria gives guidance regarding the safety of contraceptive methods in women with medical conditions. This review will explain the rationale behind this guidance for women with conditions of the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, reproductive and immune systems as well as considering the effectiveness of currently available methods of contraception.