TABLE 1

Characteristics of commonly used contraceptive methods

Medical conditionDMPALNG-IUDCHCsSubdermal implant
Unintended pregnancy rates≤ 1%56< 1%9%< 1%
WHO effectiveness tier2 (highly effective)571 (most effective)21
Drug interactionsMinimalMinimalSeveral58Minimal
Influence on blood pressureMinimalMinimalCan cause mild increaseMinimal59
Venous thromboembolismMinimalMinimalSlight increase in risk57Minimal60
Weight gainYes36MinimalMinimalMinimal59,61
Influence on bone densityNegative23MinimalPositive62Minimal63
EndometriumAntiproliferative4,6Antiproliferative50Antiproliferative64Antiproliferative65
  • CHCs = combined hormonal contraceptives; DMPA = depot medroxyprogesterone; LNG-IUD = levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device; WHO = World Health Organization

  • Based on information in references 4, 6, 23, 36, 50, and 5665.