Combined Oral Contraceptive Use and the Risk of Cervical Cancer: Literature Review / Uso de anticoncepcional oral combinado e o risco de câncer cervical: Revisão da literatura

Abstract Cervical cancer (CC) is caused by persistent infection of human papillomavirus of high oncogenic risk (hr-HPV); however, several cofactors are important in its carcinogenesis, such as smoking, multiparity, and prolonged use of oral hormonal contraceptives (COCs). Worldwide, 16% of women use COCs, whereas in Brazil this rate is of ~ 30%. The safety and adverse effects of COCs are widely discussed in the literature, including the increase in carcinogenic risk. Due to the existence of several drugs, combinations, and dosages of COCs, it is hard to have uniform information in epidemiological studies. Our objective was to perform a narrative review on the role of COCs use in the carcinogenesis of cervical cancer. Several populational studies have suggested an increase in the incidence of cervical cancer for those who have used COCs for > 5 years, but other available studies reach controversial and contradictory results regarding the action of COCs in the development of CC.

Resumo O câncer cervical (CC) é causado pela infecção persistente pelo papilomavírus humano de alto risco oncogênico (hr-HPV); entretanto, vários cofatores são importantes na sua carcinogênese, como tabagismo, multiparidade e uso prolongado de contraceptivos hormonais orais (COCs). No mundo, 16% das mulheres usam AOCs, enquanto no Brasil essa taxa é de ~ 30%. A segurança e os efeitos adversos dos COCs são amplamente discutidos na literatura, incluindo o aumento do risco carcinogênico. Devido à existência de várias drogas, combinações e dosagens de COCs, é difícil ter informações uniformes em estudos epidemiológicos. Nosso objetivo foi realizar uma revisão narrativa sobre o papel do uso de COCs na carcinogênese do câncer cervical. Vários estudos populacionais têm sugerido aumento da incidência de câncer de colo uterino para aquelas que usam COCs há mais de 5 anos, mas outros estudos disponíveis chegam a resultados controversos e contraditórios quanto à ação dos COCs no desenvolvimento do CCU.

Uso de anticonceptivos de emergencia y percepción sobre sus perjuicios en estudiantes universitarias colombianas / Use of emergency contraception and knowledge about its harms on Colombian female university students i: en

Introducción: La educación sexual y reproductiva puede prevenir o reducir cualquier daño físico o mental, o ambos, ocasionado por las prácticas sexuales de riesgo y el uso inadecuado de métodos anticonceptivos. Objetivo: Describir el uso de anticonceptivos de emergencia en estudiantes universitarias y la percepción de estas en cuanto a los perjuicios de dichos métodos para la salud. Métodos: Se efectuó un estudio descriptivo y transversal, de abril a octubre de 2021, de 372 féminas mayores de 18 años de edad, matriculadas en universidades ubicadas en Medellín, Colombia, quienes fueron seleccionadas mediante un muestreo no probabilístico. La información se obtuvo a través de una encuesta, en la cual se incluyeron variables relacionadas con el empleo de los anticonceptivos de emergencia y la percepción sobre sus perjuicios. Resultados: En la serie, 67,7 % de las jóvenes había usado anticonceptivos de emergencia, de las cuales 8,7 % refirió consumir hasta 3 píldoras de levonorgestrel al mes y 0,8 %, más de 10 durante un año; en tanto, 97,8 % consideró que este tipo de método afecta la salud. Entre los principales efectos secundarios figuraron los sangrados irregulares (65,8 %), las náuseas (31,7 %), los vómitos (31,7 %), la migraña (3,2 %) y los cambios de ánimo (25,4 %). Conclusiones: Aunque la mayoría de las estudiantes universitarias que usaban anticonceptivos de emergencia se guiaban por las recomendaciones médicas, un pequeño grupo lo hacía de manera inadecuada, lo cual se asoció a una baja percepción sobre los perjuicios de este método para la salud.

Introduction: Sexual and reproductive education can prevent or reduce any physical or mental harm, or both, caused by risky sexual practices and inadequate use of contraceptive methods. Objective: To describe the use of emergency contraception among female university students and their awareness regarding the harms of these methods for their health. Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted, from April to October 2021, of 372 women over 18 years of age, enrolled in universities located in Medellin, Colombia, who were selected through non-probabilistic sampling. The information was obtained through a survey, which included variables related to the use of emergency contraception and the awareness of its harms. Results: In the series, 67.7% of the young women had used emergency contraceptives, of whom 8.7% reported consuming up to 3 levonorgestrel pills per month and 0.8% more than 10 during a year, while 97.8% considered that this type of method affects their health. Among the main adverse effects were irregular periods (65.8%), nausea (31.7%), vomiting (31.7%), migraine (3.2%) and mood changes (25.4%). Conclusions: Although most of female university students who used emergency contraceptives were guided by medical recommendations, a small group did so inappropriately, which was associated with a low perception of the health harms of this method.

Manejo das irregularidades menstruais secundárias ao uso de contraceptivos ­ análise das recomendações atuais / Management of menstrual irregularities secondary to contraceptive use ­ analysis of current recommendations

As irregularidades menstruais representam uma série de desordens na quantida- de, duração, frequência ou regularidade do sangramento uterino. Entre suas cau- sas destaca-se o sangramento secundário ao uso de anticoncepcionais, uma razão frequente de descontinuidade dos contraceptivos, podendo aumentar as taxas de gestações não planejadas. Boa parte dos contraceptivos pode levar a mudanças no padrão de sangramento uterino, e a abordagem inicial do sangramentos irregula- res inclui a avaliação de outras possíveis causas, o reforço do uso correto da medi- cação, a tranquilização da paciente quanto à benignidade do quadro e à tendência a melhora com a continuidade do uso. Os anti-inflamatórios podem ser usados como estratégia inicial, e, não havendo resposta satisfatória, há alternativas espe- cíficas para cada método. Este trabalho visa identificar as recomendações atuais sobre o manejo do sangramento anormal decorrente de contraceptivos, por meio de revisão narrativa de estudos publicados sobre o tema nos últimos vinte anos.

Abnormal uterine bleeding represents a series of disorders in the amount, du- ration, frequency and or regularity of uterine bleeding. Among its causes, uterine bleeding secondary to the use of contraceptives stands out as a frequent reason for contraceptive discontinuity, which could lead to unplanned pregnancies. Most contraceptives can cause changes in the pattern of uterine bleeding, and the ini- tial approach of the abnormal bleeding includes assessing other possible cau- ses, reinforcing the correct use of medication, and reassuring the patient about the benignity of the condition and the tendency to improve with the continuity of the treatment. Anti-inflammatory drugs can be used as an initial strategy, and, if there is no satisfactory answer, there are specific alternatives for each contracep- tive method. This work aims to identify them current recommendations on the management of abnormal bleeding resulting from contraceptives use, through a narrative review of studies published on the subject in the last twenty years.

A cross-sectional study on the knowledge, attitudes and practices on the contraceptive and non-contraceptive use of hormonal contraceptives among Filipino women in a tertiary hospital

@#Background: In the Philippines, the extent to which hormonal contraceptives (HC) are used for reasons other than birth control is unknown. This study aims to examine how Filipino women use HC for contraceptive and non-contraceptive indications. Methods: This is Project 1 of a descriptive cross-sectional study involving a hospital-based (Project 1) and community-based (Project 2) survey. The questionnaire is adapted from the Georgia Reproductive Health Survey (RHS) 2005 and The Fog Zone 2009 from Guttmacher Institute. A face-to-face questionnaire collected demographic information and issues related to knowledge, attitude and experience in HC use among 15-45-year old Filipino women (n=244) seen at the Gynecologic Outpatient Department of the Philippine General Hospital. Results: Filipino women showed positive attitudes towards efficacy and safety of HC, which positively correlated with patterns of use. Majority possessed little knowledge regarding OCPs (82%), injectables (56%), and IUDs (39%). The major reasons for HC use were contraception (46%) and menstrual regulation (26%). Pills (77%) were most commonly utilized. A doctor’s recommendation (67%) primarily influenced choice of HC. Four out of 10 reported some difficulty in HC use. Conclusion: Although with limited knowledge, Filipino women have positive attitude towards, and have utilized HC both for gynecologic and contraceptive purposes.

Incidence of Cholelithiasis in Different Age Group

Objective: In this study our main goal is to evaluate theincidence of cholelithiasis in different age group.Method: This prospective study was done at Department ofSurgery, Rangpur Medical College Hospital Rangpur,Bangladesh from 1 July 2006 to 30 June 2008 where total 200patients were evaluated, of which 48 patients were male andremaining 152 patients were female.Results: In the study most of the patients where female 76%and 60.72% female patients took hormonal contraceptives.Also, 75% male patients had multiple stones whereas femalehad 71.71%.Conclusion: From our study we can conclude that,cholelithiasis is the commonest disease of hepatobiliary systemwhich is more common in female than male. In female the peakage group is 31-50 years where as in male it is 41-60 years.Various etiological factors are responsible for development ofcholelithiasis. Further study is needed for better outcome.

Effects of different hormonal contraceptives in women's blood pressure values / Efectos de los distintos anticonceptivos hormonales en los valores de presión arterial de la mujer / Efeitos dos diferentes anticoncepcionais hormonais nos valores de pressão arterial da mulher

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify evidence in the literature of the relationship between the use of different hormonal contraceptive methods and alterations in women's blood pressure values. Method: This is an integrative literature review, consisting of ten scientific articles published in PubMed and BVS, between 2012 and 2016, selected by keywords, available fully and free of charge, in English, Portuguese, or Spanish. Results: The articles showed that exogenous estrogen helps in the activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system causing hypertensive effects even in small doses; and that combined use with drospirenone reduces these effects. Routes of administration without passage through the liver and use of isolated progestin showed promising results in reducing the effects on blood pressure. Conclusion: There is evidence in the literature of pressure alterations associated with different hormonal contraceptives and that personal history of morbidities are to be considered in an attempt to reduce the effects on the cardiovascular system.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Identificar en la literatura evidencias sobre la relación entre el uso de distintos métodos anticonceptivos hormonales y las alteraciones en los valores de presión arterial en mujeres. Método: Se trata de la revisión integrativa de la literatura, constituida por diez artículos científicos publicados en PubMed y BVS, entre 2012 y 2016, seleccionados por medio de palabras-clave, disponibles en su totalidad, gratuitos, en inglés, en portugués o en español. Resultados: Los artículos han enseñado que el estrógeno exógeno aporta en la activación del sistema renina-angiotensina-aldosterona causando efectos hipertensivos aunque en pequeñas dosificaciones; y que el uso combinado con la drospirenona reduce esos efectos. Vías de administración sin pasaje por el hígado y el uso del progestágeno aislado han enseñado resultados promisores en la reducción de los efectos sobre la presión. Conclusión: Hay evidencias en la literatura de alteraciones presóricas asociadas a distintos anticonceptivos hormonales y de que antecedentes personales de morbilidades deben ser considerados en el intento de reducir los efectos sobre el sistema cardiovascular.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar na literatura evidências sobre a relação entre o uso de diferentes métodos anticoncepcionais hormonais e as alterações nos valores de pressão arterial em mulheres. Método: Trata-se de revisão integrativa da literatura, constituída por dez artigos científicos publicados no PubMed e BVS, entre 2012 e 2016, selecionados por meio de palavras-chave, disponíveis na íntegra, gratuitos, em inglês, português ou espanhol. Resultados: Os artigos mostraram que o estrogênio exógeno contribui na ativação do sistema renina-angiotensina-aldosterona causando efeitos hipertensores mesmo em pequenas dosagens; e que o uso combinado com a drospirenona reduz esses efeitos. Vias de administração sem passagem pelo fígado e uso do progestágeno isolado mostraram resultados promissores na redução dos efeitos sobre a pressão. Conclusão: Há evidências na literatura de alterações pressóricas associadas a diferentes anticoncepcionais hormonais e de que antecedentes pessoais de morbidades devem ser considerados na tentativa de reduzir os efeitos sobre o sistema cardiovascular.

Tromboembolismo e contracepção hormonal: evidências que orientam o aconselhamento / Thromboembolism and hormonal contraception: scientific evidence that can guide counseling

A evolução da contracepção hormonal permitiu à mulher apoderar-se do controle sobre sua fertilidade e beneficiar-se de efeitos que, além de extrapolarem a contracepção, são igualmente desejados. No entanto, dentre os eventos adversos, a ocorrência de tromboembolismo em usuárias de contracepção hormonal segue sendo uma preocupação em contínua avaliação. Nesse sentido, é necessário estabelecer o real papel dos diferentes contraceptivos hormonais (CH) como fator de risco para trombose. Com esse propósito, essa revisão examina as evidências científicas anteriormente publicadas nas bases de dados Medline, Pubmed e Cochrane, utilizando-se os descritores contraceptivos hormonais e tromboembolismo venoso. Após adequação aos critérios de seleção, foram utilizadas onze revisões sistemáticas ou metanálises publicadas entre 1998 e 2014, que incluíram 145 estudos publicados entre 1982 e 2013. As evidências apontam para maior segurança nas formulações com progestogênio isolado e contraceptivos com etinilestradiol em doses iguais ou menores que 35 mcg associado a progestogênios de 1ª geração ou levonorgestrel. Mais estudos são necessários para determinar o risco de tromboembolismo com as formulações combinadas de estradiol associado ao dienogeste e norgestimato, bem como examinar o impacto das vias transdérmica e oral nas formulações comercializadas no Brasil. Assim, não se recomenda privar mulheres de baixo risco para acidentes tromboembólicos dos benefícios da contracepção hormonal. O aconselhamento deve ponderar o risco de tromboembolismo preexistente, o risco de gravidez não planejada e suas complicações biopsicossociais e a composição do CH.(AU)

The evolution of hormonal contraception has enabled women to take control of their fertility and to benefit from effects that go beyond contraception. However, among the adverse effects, the occurrence of thromboembolism in users of hormonal contraception is a concern that has been evaluated, making it necessary to determine the actual role of different hormonal contraceptives (HC) as a risk factor for thrombosis. With that purpose, it was conducted a review of the scientific evidence published in Medline, Pubmed and Cochrane database using the following keywords: hormonal contraceptives and venous thromboembolism. The current review analysed eleven systematic reviews or meta-analyzes published between 1998 and 2014, bringing together 145 studies published between 1982 and 2013. The evidences point to increased security with formulations with isolated progestins and contraceptives with ethynilestradiol in doses equal to or less than 35 mcg associated with a first generation progestin or levonorgestrel. Additional studies are necessary to determine the risk of thromboembolism of estradiol combined formulations associated with dienogeste and norgestimate, as well as transdermal and oral formulations marketed in Brazil. Thus, it is inappropiate to deprive women at low risk for thromboembolic events from the benefits of hormonal contraception. Counseling should consider the risk of pre-existing thromboembolism, the risk of unplanned pregnancy with its biopsychosocial complications and particular HC composition.(AU)

Prevalencia de prescripción conjunta incorrecta de fármacos anticonvulsivantes y anticonceptivos hormonales, Colombia, 2014 / Prevalence of prescription errors in the concomitant use of anticonvulsants and hormonal contraceptive drugs, Colombia, 2014

Determinar la prevalencia de prescripción conjunta de fármacos antiepilépticos para identificar formulación incorrecta que podría afectar la efectividad de los anticonceptivos hormonales en un grupo de mujeres afiliadas al Sistema General de Seguridad Social en Salud de Colombia.Materiales y métodos: estudio de corte transversal, en el que se seleccionaron registros de mujeres de 15 a 45 años que recibían al menos un fármaco antiepiléptico, entre el 1 y el 31 de marzo de 2014, en una base de datos poblacional de dispensación de medicamentos de un operador logístico en Colombia, para población perteneciente al régimen contributivo y subsidiado en el Sistema General de Seguridad Social en Salud de Colombia. Se evaluaron el tipo de anticonceptivo hormonal y de fármaco antiepiléptico, y la frecuencia de prescripción concomitante de formulación incorrecta de uso combinado de medicamentos. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva.Resultados: de un total de 2092 pacientes usuarias de fármacos antiepilépticos, se identificaron 89 (4,3 %) casos que tenían por lo menos un antiepiléptico y un anticonceptivo simultáneamente. En 48 mujeres (54 %) se encontró formulación incorrecta de métodos de planificación, como el uso de fármacos antiepilépticos inductores enzimáticos e inyectables combinados (20 casos), el uso de anticonceptivos orales combinados de bajas dosis de estrógenos (16 casos), de progestinas orales (10 casos), y el uso de antiepilépticos no inductores enzimáticos y anticonceptivos orales combinados y dosis altas de estrógenos (2 casos).Conclusiones: un importante número de mujeres usuarias de medicamentos antiepilépticos utiliza métodos hormonales de anticoncepción, y cerca de la mitad de ellas tenían una prescripción anticonceptiva incorrecta, lo que podría resultar en embarazos no deseados o incremento del riesgo de enfermedad tromboembólica...

To determine the prevalence of simultaneous prescription of antiepileptic drugs and identify wrong prescriptions that may affect the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives in a group of women covered under the Colombian General Social Security System in Health.Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study based on records of women between 15 and 45 years of age who received at least one antiepileptic drug from March 1st to 31st 2014, included in database of a logistic operator for medication distribution for a population belonging to the Contributory and Subsidized regimes in the Colombian social security system. The evaluation included the type of hormonal contraceptive and of the anticonvulsant medication, and the frequency of concomitant prescription and of incorrect prescription of combined use of medications. Descriptive statistics were used.Results: Out of a total number of 2092 female users of antiepileptic drugs, there were 89 (4.3%) cases identified with concomitant use of at least one anticonvulsant and one contraceptive. Incorrect prescription of contraceptive methods was identified in 48 cases (54%), including the concomitant use of enzymatic-inducing anticonvulsants and combined hormonal injectable contraceptives (20 cases) or the use of combined low-dose oestrogen oral contraceptives (16 cases) or oral progestins (10 cases) and the use of non enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs and combined oral contraceptives, and high-dose oestrogens (2 cases).Conclusions: An important number of female users of anticonvulsants used hormonal contraception and almost half of them had an incorrect contraceptive prescription, creating a risk of undesired pregnancies or increasing the risk of thromboembolic disease...

Efectos secundarios de los anticonceptivos hormonales en usuarias del método asistentes a las consultas de planificación familiar / Side effects of hormonal contraceptives methods in women attending family planning departments

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal y prospectivo de las 375 mujeres en edad fértil (de 15 a 49 años) que acudieron a la consulta de Planificación Familiar del Policlínico Docente Municipal de Santiago de Cuba, desde septiembre del 2010 hasta febrero del 2011, a fin de identificar los efectos secundarios más frecuentes producidos por los anticonceptivos hormonales ofertados en este servicio, para lo cual se midieron las variables: edad, hábitos tóxicos, factor de riesgo preconcepcional, anticoncepción hormonal, aparición de efectos colaterales o no y modo en que fueron solucionados. En la casuística predominaron el grupo etario de 20-34 años, el cafeísmo, el déficit nutricional como causa de visita a la consulta y el uso del contraceptivo Triquilar®. La mayoría de las pacientes presentó reacciones adversas, fundamentalmente trastornos gastrointestinales y ganancia de peso, no obstante, gran parte de las afectaciones clínicas se resolvieron espontáneamente. Se recomendó implementar un programa de educación en salud reproductiva para médicos y enfermeros de la familia, con vistas a mejorar la calidad en dicha atención preconceptiva y desarrollar una campaña de divulgación en la población sobre los diferentes métodos anticonceptivos, su uso y complicaciones.

A descriptive, longitudinal and prospective study was carried out in 375 women in reproductive age (15 to 49 years), who attended the family planning department of the Municipal Teaching Polyclinic in Santiago de Cuba, from September 2010 to February 2011, in order to identify the most common side effects caused by hormonal contraceptives offered in this service, for which variables such as age, toxic habits, preconception risk factors, hormonal contraception, occurrence of side effects and ways to solve them were measured. Age group of 20-34 years, coffeeholism, nutritional deficiency as a cause of visit and use of the contraceptive Triquilar® prevailed in the case material. Most of the patients presented with adverse reactions, mainly gastrointestinal disorders and weight gain; however, most clinical manifestations were resolved spontaneously. It was recommended to implement an educational program of reproductive health for family physicians and nurses with the purpose of improving the quality in this preconception care and developing an information campaign in the population for the different birth-control methods, their use and complications.

Anticoncepção hormonal e câncer de mama / Hormonal contraception and breast cancer

O câncer de mama é a segunda neoplasia em incidência na população feminina com mais de 1.100.000 casos/ano no mundo, com aproximadamente 410.000 mortes/ano. A hormônio-dependência do câncer de mama é um fato bem estabelecido em diversas situações como a obesidade e a reposição hormonal. A associação entre o anticencepcional hormonal e o câncer de mama tem sido debatida por décdas, sem que haja um consenso. Lançado nos anos 1960, o contraceptivo hormonal oral foi um marco histórico no padrão de vida da mulher moderna e seu uso popularizou-se mundialmente, sendo utilizado por milhões de mulheres em todo o mundo. Este artigo objetiva abordar a relação entre o uso da anticoncepção hormonal e o desenvolvimento do câncer de mama. Para tanto, foram revistos os trabalhos publicados na literatura no período compreendido entre 1997 a 2011. Foram identificados e revisados os artigos mais relevantes; suas referências foram checadas com o objetivo de produzir um texto que avalie as evidências da relação entre a anticoncepção hormonal e o desenvolvimento do câncer de mama.

Breast cancer is the second cancer incidence in the female population of over 1,1 million cases per year worldwide, with approximately 410,000 deaths per year. The hormone dependence of breast cancer is a well established fact in several situations, such as obesity and hormone replacement. The association between hormonal contraceptives and breast cancer has been debated for decades, without a consensus. Released in sixties, the hormonal contraceptive has been a landmark in the quality of life of modern woman and its use has become popular worldwide and is used by millions of women around the world. This article aims to address the relationship between use of hormonal contraceptives and the development of breast cancer. Therefore, we reviewed the published literature in the period between 1997 and 2011. The most relevant articles were identified and reviewed. Their references were checked producing a text to assess the evidence of the relationship between hormonal contraception and the development of breast cancer.

Uso de contraceptivos em portadoras de cardiopatia / Contraceptive use in women with heart disease

PURPOSE: To analyse efficacy, tolerance and adverse events of reversible contraceptives in women with cardiac disease. METHODS: We studied prospectively during 24-39 (mean = 29) months, 89 women with heart disease with a mean age of 25.6 (16-42) years. Rheumatic heart disease was present in 73 (82) cases, congenital heart disease in 11 (11), coronary artery disease in 2 (2) and cardiomyopathy in 3 (3) case. The patients were divided in three groups: GCO--35 patients taking combined oral contraceptives (30 micrograms ethinyl estradiol and 75 micrograms gestodene--COs); GIT--27 using injectable progestagens (depot medroxyprogesterone acetate-DMPA) and GUID--27 with intrauterine device (IUD). RESULTS: In GCO occurred 4 (11.4) cases of arterial hypertension, 1 (2.8) of a transient cerebral isquemic attack, 3 (8.5) of spotting, 1 (2.8) of amnorrhea e 1 (2.8) pregnancy. Interruption of this method occurred in 4 (11.4) cases due to hypertension (2), pregnancy (1) and amenorrhea (1). In group GIT there were 2 (7.4) cases of arterial hypertension, 18 (66.6) of amenorrhea, and 3 (11.1) of spotting. Interruption of use occurred in 5 (18.5) due to amnorrhea (2), weight gain (2) and headache (1). In GUID there was 1 (3.7) case of infeccion, 1 (3.7) pregnancy and 1 (3.7) spontaneous expulsion of IUD. Interruption of use took place in 3 (11.1) cases due to infeccion, pregnancy and expulsion. The comparation between the groups demonstrated a difference in the incidence of amenorrhea (p < 0.005) and descontinuation of use of the method (p < 0.025). CONCLUSION: Use of reversible contraceptives in heart disease women was associated with an acceptable cardiovascular risk. Efficacy and side effects of the methods were comparable in the groups, however intolerance was more observed in GIT

Purpose - To analyse efficacy, tolerance and adverse events of reversible contraceptives in women with cardiac disease. Methods - We studied prospectively during 24-39 (mean=29) months, 89 women with heart disease with a mean age of 25.6 (16-42) years. Rheumatic heart disease was present in 73 (82%) cases, congenital heart disease in 11 (11%), coronary artery disease in 2 (2%) and cardiomyopathy in 3 (3%) case. The patients were divided in three groups: GCO - 35 patients taking combined oral contraceptives (30 micrograms ethinyl estradiol and 75 micrograms gestodene - COs); GIT - 27 using injectable progestagens (depot medroxyprogesterone acetate-DMPA) and GUID - 27 with intrauterine device (IUD). Results - In GCO occurred 4 (11.4%) cases of arterial hypertension, 1 (2.8%) of a transient cerebral isquemic atack, 3 (8.5%) of spotting, 1 (2.8%) of amnorrhea e 1 (2.8%) pregnancy. Interruption of this method occurred in 4 (11.4%) cases due to hypertension (2), pregnancy (1) and amenorrhea (1). In group GIT there were 2 (7.4%) cases of arterial hypertension, 18 (66.6%) of amenorrhea, and 3 (11.1%) of spotting. Interruption of use occurred in 5 (18.5%) due to amnorrhea (2), weight gain (2) and headache (1). In GUID there was 1 (3.7%) case of infeccion, 1 (3.7%) pregnancy and 1 (3.7%) spontaneous expulsion of IUD. Interruption of use took place in 3 (11.1%) cases due to infeccion, pregnancy and expulsion. The comparation between the groups demonstrated a difference in the incidence of amenorrhea (p<0.005) and descontinuation of use of the method (p<0.025) Conclusion - Use of reversible contraceptives in heart disease women was associated with an acceptable cardiovascular risk. Efficacy and side effects of the methods were comparable in the groups, however intolerance was more observed in GIT