Who should not use CICs?
Women who have the following conditions (contraindications): • Pregnancy • Breastfeeding, during first 6 weeks of postpartum (not a good method for women who want to continue breastfeeding) • Unexplained vaginal bleeding • Current breast cancer • Liver tumors, active hepatitis or severe cirrhosis • Age 35 or older, who smoke heavily (20 cigarettes/day or more) • Greatly increased risk of cardiovascular conditions: blood pressure of 180/110 and higher, diabetes with vascular complications, history or current deep venous thrombosis, stroke, ischemic heart disease, severe headache with focal neurologic symptoms Advantages • Safe and highly effective • Reversible • Easy to use (no daily routine) • Do not interfere with intercourse • May have beneficial non-contraceptive effects similar to combined oral contraceptives Disadvantages • Common side effects (especially irregular menstrual bleeding/spotting during first three months) • No protection against STIs/HIV Possible side effects • Irreg
