Contraceptives in patients with congenital heart disease. Position statement of the Congenital Heart Disease Committe

Abstract

The increase in survival rates among patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) has introduced new challenges that require the involvement of adult cardiologists. The vast majority of women of reproductive age with CHD are sexually active, making the evaluation and counseling on contraceptive method (CM) choice an essential practice in cardiology.

Unfortunately, less than half of women with CHD received counseling prior to their first sexual activity. Given the prevalence of sexual activity and the risk of unplanned pregnancy in adolescents and young adults with CHD, contraception and pregnancy counseling should begin during adolescence in consultations with the pediatric cardiologist and continue with the adult cardiologist.