TDNet Discover

Background: Oral contraceptives have been available since the 1960s and have been considered a common risk factor for thromboembolism. Research has focused on breaking down the likelihood of DVT development for each component of combined oral contraceptives. Therefore, studies have investigated the effect of estrogens and the 4 generations of progestogens on DVT formation. Purpose: The purpose of this research is to examine the effects of various progestogens on DVT formation in premenopausal women taking combined oral contraceptives. Methods: An evidence-based clinical review (EBCR) was conducted. Search and review procedures were independently performed by three researchers. The search and review process included MEDLINE Complete, PubMed, and Google Scholar. A quality assessment tool was used to determine the level of internal validity for studies from 2011 to 2022. A data extraction tool was applied to support the qualitative synthesis of the included studies. Results: Three studies met inclusion criteria and are incorporated into this analysis. Firstgeneration progestogens are associated with a 3.2- and 3.5-fold increased risk of thrombosis, second-generation progestogens are associated with a 2.6- and 3-fold increased risk, and thirdgeneration progestogens with a 3.5-to-4.3-fold increased risk. Studies have shown an increased risk of DVT with fourth-generation progestogens, but more research is needed on this topic. Conclusion: Third-generation progestogens are associated with the greatest risk of DVT formation in premenopausal women who are taking combined oral contraceptives when compared to non-users.