Heart Education Awareness Resource and Training through eLearning (HEARTe)

Contraception Options

Contraception is the act of preventing pregnancy. There are several different methods of contraception.  

Contraceptive options can be either hormonal or non-hormonal, meaning some options contain hormones and other options do not contain hormones. Non-hormonal contraception options do not affect Body Mass Index (BMI) or Family Health History (FHx). 

 Contraception methods are also either long-acting or short-acting.  

  • Long-acting = contraception options effective for an extended period of time that do not require user action. 
  • Short-acting = contraception option that is quickly reversible. Meaning its effect wears off rapidly and therefore women can be at risk of becoming pregnant within a short period of time. The same as those who have used no contraceptive at all.  

Disclaimer: Not all contraception options protect against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). The only contraceptive method that provides a high level of protection against a Sexually Transmitted Infection is an external condom.  

It is important to note that favourable contraception options vary per person based on personal, health, and lifestyle factors. It is recommended to speak with a healthcare professional about which option would be suitable. The safety and efficacy of a contraceptive are weighed against a women’s desire for pregnancy and any health risks that pregnancy might have. 

If you have a health condition or a family history of blood clots, speak to a healthcare professional about methods of contraception that are suitable for your health. There are several methods of contraception available, and they will help you to find the one most appropriate for your needs.  

Please click on the different contraception methods pictured below to learn more about them.   

To learn more about contraception including the different options available, how to choose a method, and where to get contraception, please visit Contraception | NHS inform

Copper coil intrauterine device (IUD)

  • Also known as ‘copper coil’
  • Inserted into the womb (uterus)
  • Prevents pregnancy by releasing copper locally, which changes the way sperm moves so it cannot get to the egg.
  • Non-hormonal
  • Long acting
  • Depending on your heart condition it may be appropriate for this to be fitted in a hospital setting rather than a GP surgery.
  • Periods may be heavier or more painful
  • With typical use fewer than 1 in 100 will get pregnant in one year

Condoms

  • Male condoms are external and are worn on the penis before and during sex
  • Female condoms are internal and are put in the vagina before sex
  • Prevent pregnancy by preventing sperm getting into the womb (uterus)
  • Protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • Non-hormonal
  • Short acting

Diaphragm or Cap

  • Are internal and put inside the vagina before sex
  • Prevents pregnancy by preventing sperm getting into the womb (uterus)
  • Non-hormonal
  • Short acting
  • With typical use 12 in 100 will get pregnant in one year 

Combined oral contraceptive pill (COC)

  • Also known as the ‘pill’ and is a medication taken by the mouth
  • Contains hormones progestogen and oestrogen
  • Prevents pregnancy by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation)
  • There are several side effects/risks of the combined pill and this includes blood clots (which can cause a heart attack and stroke)
  • It may not be suitable for certain people and in the context of cardiovascular health/conditions this includes people who have:  
    • Blood clots (or family members who had blood clots under 45 years old) 
    • Narrowed/blocked arteries or have had a stroke 
    • Heart problems like cardiomyopathy with reduced heart function, atrial fibrillation, complex valvular or congenital heart disease 
    • High blood pressure 
    • Migraines with aura 
    • Diabetes complications   
  • Hormonal 
  • Short acting  
  • Can make periods lighter and reduce period pain 
  • With typical use 9 in 100 will get pregnant in one year 

 

Contraceptive patch

  • Sticky patch that is worn on the skin and releases hormones 
  • Contains hormones progestogen and oestrogen
  • Prevents pregnancy by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation)
  • There are several side effects/risks of the contraceptive patch and this includes high blood pressure
  • It may not be suitable for certain people and in the context of cardiovascular health/conditions this includes people who have:  
    • Blood clots (or family members who had blood clots under 45 years old) 
    • Narrowed/blocked arteries or have had a stroke 
    • Heart problems like cardiomyopathy with reduced heart function, atrial fibrillation, complex valvular or congenital heart disease 
    • High blood pressure 
    • Migraines with aura 
    • Diabetes complications   
  • Hormonal
  • Short acting
  • Periods may be lighter and less painful 
  • With typical use 9 in 100 will get pregnant in one year  

 

Vaginal ring

  • An example of a vaginal ring is known as Nuvaring
  • Soft, flexible ring that is put in the vagina and releases hormones
  • Contains hormones progestogen and oestrogen
  • Prevents pregnancy by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation)
  • There are several side effects/risks of the vaginal ring and this includes increased blood pressure
  • It may not be suitable for certain people and in the context of cardiovascular health/conditions this includes people who have:
    • Have blood clots (or family members who had blood clots under 45 years old)
    • Narrowed, narrowed/blocked arteries or have had a stroke
    • Heart problems such as cardiomyopathy with reduced heart function atrial fibrillation, complex valvular or congenital heart disease
    • High blood pressure
    • Migraines with aura
    • Diabetes complications
  • Hormonal
  • Short acting
  • Control over periods, may reduce period pain make periods lighter
  • With typical use 9 in 100 will get pregnant in one year

Contraceptive implant

  • An implant that is put under the skin of the arm and releases hormones
  • Contains hormone progestogen
  • Prevents pregnancy by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation)
  • There are several side effects/risks of the contraceptive implant and this includes blood clots (which can cause a heart attack and stroke)
  • It may not be suitable for certain people and in the context of cardiovascular health/conditions this includes people who have had condition affecting their heart/blood vessels (cardiovascular disease) and/or a stroke  
  • The implant can be suitable for many women with cardiovascular disease including those with valvular or congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia and high blood pressure.  
    • Women who have the implant and have a stroke or ischaemic heart disease should talk to their healthcare professional about continuing the with the implant. 
  • Hormonal  
  • Long acting  
  • Periods can be lighter, less frequent and less painful but some experience irregular bleeding 
  • With typical use fewer than 1 in 100 will get pregnant in one year 

Hormonal coil – intrauterine system (IUS)

  • Inserted into the womb (uterus) and releases hormones
  • It may not be suitable for certain people and in the context of cardiovascular health/conditions this includes people who have history of serious heart disease or stroke.
  • Prevents pregnancy by releasing progestogen into the womb (uterus)
  • Contains hormone progestogen
  • Depending on your heart condition it may be appropriate for this to be fitted in a hospital setting rather than a GP surgery.
  • The hormonal coil can be suitable for many women with cardiovascular disease including those with valvular or congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy atrial fibrillation and high blood pressure.  
    • Women who have the hormonal coil and have a stroke or ischaemic heart disease should talk to their healthcare professional about continuing the coil. 
  • Hormonal  
  • Long acting  
  • Periods can be lighter and less painful, some may have irregular bleeding 
  • With typical use fewer than 1 in 100 will get pregnant in one year 

Progestogen only pill

  • Also known as the ‘mini-pill’ and is a medication taken by mouth
  • Contains hormone progestogen
  • Prevents pregnancy by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation)
  • It may not be suitable for certain people and in the context of cardiovascular health/conditions this includes people who have had condition affecting their heart/blood vessels (cardiovascular disease) and/or a stroke
  • It can be suitable for many women with cardiovascular disease including those with valvular or congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy atrial fibrillation and high blood pressure.
    • Women with long-QT syndrome should speak with a healthcare professional before starting the mini-pill.
    • Women who are taking the mini-pill and have a stroke or ischaemic heart disease should talk to their healthcare professional about continuing the mini-pill.
  • Hormonal
  • Short acting
  • May help with heavy or painful periods, periods may stop temporarily or there may be irregular bleeding
  • With typical use 9 in 100 will get pregnant in one year

Contraceptive injection

  • An example of the contraceptive injection is Depo-Provera  
  • An injection that contains hormone progestogen  
  • Prevents pregnancy by stopping the ovaries from releasing an egg each month (ovulation) 
  • It may not be suitable for certain people including:  
    • Those who have multiple risk factors for heart disease (such as smoking, diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol)  
    • Those who have peripheral vascular disease with claudication, hypertensive retinopathy or TIA  
    • Those with a history or ischaemic heart disease or stroke.  
  • It can be suitable for other cardiovascular conditions including those with congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy and arrhythmia.  
  • Hormonal  
  • Long acting  
  • May make periods lighter and less painful but may cause irregular bleeding 
  • With typical use 3 in 100 will get pregnant in one year