What it means
Combined methods contain an estrogen and a progestin and come as a pill, patch or vaginal ring; progestin-only methods come as a pill, injection, arm implant or intrauterine device (IUD). They mainly stop ovulation and thicken cervical mucus. Combined methods raise the risk of blood clots, most of all in women over 35 who smoke.
For the nurse
Teach how to use the chosen method and what to do after a missed dose. With combined methods, teach the warning signs of a clot (ACHES: abdominal pain, chest pain, headache, eye problems, severe leg pain). Some drugs, such as rifampin and some antiseizure drugs, make them less effective.
At a glance
| Spanish | anticonceptivo hormonal |
|---|---|
| Also written | hormonal contraceptives, hormonal contraception |
Related terms
deep vein thrombosis
A blood clot in a deep vein, most often in the leg or pelvis.
estrogen
A female sex hormone, made mainly by the ovaries, and the group of drugs that act like it.
sexual intercourse
Sexual activity in which the penis enters the vagina; the term is also used for anal and oral sex.