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Relationship between congenital anomalies and contraception

  • Review Article
  • Published:
Advances in Contraception

Abstract

Most contraceptive methods are associated with defined maternal risks. These risks can be balanced against the benefits, with individual users arriving at iformed decisions concerning propriety of using a given method. Physicians and patients alike have grown accustomed to benefits/risks analysis of this type.

More difficult to assess, however, would be fetal risks associated with contraceptive use. In the past decade, increasing attention has been given to allegations that various forms of contraception pose fetal risks. Sometimes risks are claimed as a result of exposure during pregnancy (teratogenesis). At other times long-term risks are claimed after discontinuation of the contraceptive agent. That is, there are risks due to exposure prior to pregnancy (mutagenesis).

In this communication we shall review the various allegations, attempt to define the more reasonable possibilities in order to suggest future studies assuring contraceptive safety, and provide information suitable for counseling of patients who inadvertently become pregnant while using contraception.

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    J. L. Simpson

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Simpson, J.L. Relationship between congenital anomalies and contraception. Adv Contracept 1, 3–30 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01849140

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