The Role of the Midwife in Combined Hormonal Contraception

Authors

  • Cristian Martín Vázquez Matrona Hospital Universitario del Bierzo
  • Laura Rosón Matilla Matrona Hospital Comarcal de Monforte

Keywords:

Contraception, Combined Oral Contraceptive, Midwife, Health Education

Abstract

Combined oral contraceptives are the most prescribed and consumed drugs worldwide.
The first combined hormonal contraceptive pill was approved in 1960, and since its introduction to the market, significant changes have occurred in its composition, mainly related to the type and dosage of estrogens and progestins. In our country, it is the leading pharmacological contraceptive method, closely followed by condoms, according to the latest data published by the National Statistics Institute (INE). Combined oral contraceptives can be prescribed to any individual seeking a reversible contraceptive method; however, there are numerous situations in which they are contraindicated, such as a personal history of thromboembolism. It should be noted that combined oral contraceptives do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
Among the benefits of combined oral contraceptives are menstrual cycle regulation, reduced menstrual bleeding, decreased dysmenorrhea, etc. The side effects of combined oral contraceptives are common during the first three months of treatment; however, they disappear spontaneously.
The midwife plays an essential role in contraceptive counseling. For this, a thorough medical history and complementary physical examination are necessary, as well as proper health education on self-care to ensure good therapeutic adherence, prevent unwanted pregnancies, and mitigate potential adverse effects.

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References

“Criterios médicos de elegibilidad para el uso de anticonceptivos” - 4ª ed. 2012. Organización Mundial de la Salud, Departamento de Salud Reproductiva e Investigaciones Conexas.

Orden SAS/1349/2009, de 6 de Mayo, por la que se aprueba y publica el programa formativo de la especialidad de Enfermería Obstétrico-Ginecológica (Matrona). https://www.boe.es/eli/es/o/2009/05/06/sas1349

Conferencia de Consenso sobre “Actualización en el manejo clínico de la anticoncepción hormonal, intrauterina y de urgencia.” Madrid. 2011.

World Health Organization. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, 4th ed. Geneva: WHO; 2008.

World Health Organization. Selected Practice Recommendations for Contraceptive Use, 3rd ed. Geneva: WHO; 2008.

United States Food and Drug Administration (2012). Updated information about the risk of blood clots in women taking birth control pills containing drospirenone [Safety communication]. Retrieved from http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm299305.htm

European Medicines Agency (2013). Benefits of Diane and generics outweigh risks in specific patient group, PRAC recommends measures to minimize risks of thromboembolism [Press release]. Retrieved from http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/news_and_events/news/2013/05/news_detail_001790.jsp&mid=WC0b01ac058004d5c1

Instituto Nacional de Estadística (2018). Encuesta de fecundidad. Cifras INE. www.ine.es

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Published

2025-08-31

How to Cite

Martín Vázquez, C., & Rosón Matilla, L. (2025). The Role of the Midwife in Combined Hormonal Contraception. Revista Enfermeir@s, 2(37), 16–20. Retrieved from https://www.enfermerialugo.org/revista/index.php/enfermeiraos/article/view/193

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 37 (2021): Enfermeir@s. Journal of the Illustrious Official College of Nursing of Lugo

Section

Editorial

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