Deep vein thrombosis is a serious complication of oral contraception. The most serious complication, pulmonary embolism, could be lethal. The relative risk of thromboembolic disease is four time higher in women using oral contraception. Both the amount of estrogen and the type of gestagen can increase the relative risk of thromboembolic disease. Oral contraceptives influence procoagulants, fibrinolytic system and inhibitors of coagulation. The choice of oral contraceptive should be very careful. It is advised to use preparations with less then 50 micrograms of ethinyl-estradiol and the type of gestagen that has minimal metabolic side effects, including minimal effect on coagulation. It is not recommended to perform screening of trombophilia before prescribing oral contraception. Family history of thrombosis is indication for more detailed investigation. However in the case of positive history of thromboembolic disease use of oral contraception is contraindicated. Oral contraception users should be informed about increased risk of deep vein trombosis, and what to do to prevent deep vein thrombosis.

Keywords: Blood Coagulation /drug effects/; Contraceptives, Oral, Combined /adverse effects/; Female; Fibrinolysis /drug effects/; Humans; Thromboembolism /chemically induced/