Table 4:
US and UK medical eligibility criteria* for the use of estrogen-containing contraceptive methods, by characteristic or medical condition29,80
| Characteristic/condition | Medical eligibility criteria |
|---|---|
| Smoking at age ≥ 35 yr | |
| < 15 cigarettes/d | Risks outweigh benefits |
| ≥ 15 cigarettes/d | Unacceptable risk |
| Obesity | |
| BMI 30–34 | Benefits outweigh risks |
| BMI ≥ 35 | Benefits outweigh risks (UK: Risks outweigh benefits) |
| Hypertension | |
| Controlled hypertension | Risks outweigh benefits |
| Elevated blood pressure | |
| Systolic > 140–159 mm Hg or diastolic > 90–94 mm Hg | Risks outweigh benefits |
| Systolic ≥ 160 mm Hg or diastolic ≥ 95 mm Hg | Unacceptable risk |
| Vascular disease | Unacceptable risk |
| Diabetes | |
| No vascular disease | Benefits outweigh risks |
| Vascular disease or duration of diabetes > 20 yr (UK: Duration of diabetes not addressed) | Either risks outweigh benefits or unacceptable risk (based on severity of condition) |
| Stroke | Unacceptable risk |
| Current or past ischemic heart disease | Unacceptable risk |
| Multiple risk factors for cardiovascular disease† | Either risks outweigh benefits or unacceptable risk (based on severity of condition) |
Note: BMI = body mass index.
*
Differences between US and UK criteria are shown in parenthesis when applicable.
†
Risk factors include higher age, smoking, obesity, diabetes and hypertension.