Contraception in Hemophilia Carriers

Contraindications and Safety

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that known or suspected breast cancer and undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding are contraindications to estrogen-containing contraceptives, but hemophilia carrier status is not 1
• Combined oral contraceptives may actually provide some benefit by reducing menstrual bleeding, which can be problematic in carriers with lower factor levels, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1
• There is no evidence to suggest that combined oral contraceptives worsen bleeding tendency in hemophilia carriers, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1

Alternative Contraceptive Options

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that progestin-only methods have no increased VTE risk and are highly effective 1
• The American College of Rheumatology notes that the copper IUD is hormone-free but may increase menstrual bleeding, potentially problematic in carriers with significant factor deficiency 2
• The American College of Rheumatology also states that barrier methods have no medical contraindications but lower efficacy 2