Contraception in the patient with liver disease.

ABSTRACT

PIP: Women with liver disease require careful contraceptive management. Of particular salience is the impact of sex steroids on liver function. If patients with chronic liver disease have completed their families, tubal ligation should be considered. Estrogen-containing oral contraceptives have been associated with cholestasis and development of hepatic adenoma and are contraindicated in women with acute liver disease. Progestin-containing hormonal methods appear to be safe, however. IUDs or barrier methods such as condoms and diaphragms can be selected, but they have lower efficacy rates.