Contraception in women with systemic erythematosus lupus

Abstract

The use of contraceptives, particularly of those containing estrogens by women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), has been thought to carry risks such as disease exacerbation, thrombosis and other adverse effects. However, the available evidence suggests that many women with SLE, particularly those with stable disease, are not at increased risk of disease flare while taking oral contraceptives and therefore can be good candidates for most contraceptive methods, including the hormonal ones. Contrariwise, women with positive antiphospholipid antibodies are at increased risk of arterial and venous thrombosis and therefore the use of combined hormonal contraceptive methods should be avoided in them.