An overview of contraception in women with obesity

Abstract

The use of safe and effective contraception is essential for preventing unplanned pregnancy in women of all body sizes. When counseling women with obesity about contraception, it is important to consider the pharmacokinetic alterations of obesity on various modern contraceptive methods. However, evidence is reassuring that most contraceptive methods are safe and effective in women with obesity. Individual countries and the World Health Organization have published Medical Eligibility Criteria to guide contraceptive selection in women with medical issues including obesity. When choosing contraception, specific risks of the method relative to any underlying medical disorders must also be balanced against the risks of unintended pregnancy in this group.

Keywords: Combined hormonal contraception; Contraception; Implants and lactational amenorrhea; Obesity; Pharmacokinetics; Safety.