Combined hormonal contraception.
This article discusses the different combined hormonal contraception methods. Combined methods, delivering both estrogen and a progestin simultaneously, are among the most effective, widely used hormonal contraceptive options. They also have the best noncontraceptive benefit profile for young women of all hormonal contraceptive options. Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) are described as the standard combined hormonal method and are discussed in detail. Newer combined hormonal contraceptive delivery systems, the transdermal patch, vaginal ring, and injectable form, are compared with OCPs in terms of pharmacology, efficacy, and adverse events. Advantages and disadvantages of all methods are emphasized, with particular attention to adolescent development and acceptability.
Calderoni
Michele E
ME
Section of Adolescent Medicine, Children's Hospital at Montefiore/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 111 East 210th Street, Bronx, NY 10467, USA. mcaldero@montefiore.org
Coupey
Susan M
SM
D000293:Adolescent; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000075202:Contraindications; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004333:Drug Administration Routes; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011247:Pregnancy; D011253:Pregnancy in Adolescence / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011372:Progestins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D012307:Risk Factors
D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D011372:Progestins; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol