Undesirable Vascular Reactions in the use of Combined Oral Contraceptives: Myth or Reality?

Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) are among the most common drugs in gynecologic practice. There is conflicting scientific evidence regarding adverse reactions that develop during the administration of COCs. This primarily concerns the risks of the appearance of unaesthetic lower limb veins and the development of venous thromboembolism (VTE). In the literature, no reliable data on the association between the occurrence of non-aesthetic veins and COC intake have been found. The authors describe the reversible effect of COCs on venous wall tone and the formation of hormone-induced phlebopathy, which is safely eliminated by original phlebotonics. The risks of VTE development depend on the terms of COCs intake and their composition. At the same time, it is established that COCs administration has no significant effect on the hemostasis system. Conclusion: COCs intake affects the venous wall, but the development of chronic vein diseases, as a rule, is not directly related to it. There are risks of VTE, but they are significantly lower than certain natural physiologic states of a woman.