Petition Fund research into improving the safety of contraceptive options

A range of effective contraceptive options are available, but advantages and risks must be balanced for each individual. Applications for further research into contraceptive options are welcomed.

A range of contraceptive options are available to women including some that contain hormones (hormonal contraceptives). Hormonal contraceptives can contain combinations of estrogens and progestogens e.g. combined contraceptive pill, skin patch or vaginal ring. Other hormonal contraceptives contain progestogen alone e.g. the progestogen only pill (or mini-pill), contraceptive injections, implant and intra-uterine hormone releasing devices (hormone coils). Contraceptives that don’t contain hormones include intra-uterine copper coils and barrier methods that physically prevent sperm and egg from meeting, e.g. diaphragms (caps), spermicides and condoms. In addition to these options, surgical sterilisation by means of an operation may be an appropriate and acceptable option for some women.

Contraceptive options for men currently consist only of condoms. Male sterilisation, through a surgical procedure known as a vasectomy, may be appropriate and acceptable for some men. Any new contraceptive options developed for men would need to meet the same standards of quality, effectiveness and safety as for female contraceptives.

The suitability of all available contraceptive options for each individual woman needs to be considered in the context of her medical history, lifestyle and personal circumstances. The contraceptive method offered or advised aims to ensure the woman realises the benefits of effective contraception without being exposed to unacceptable or excessive risk of harm.

Hormonal contraceptives are highly effective medicines for preventing unintended pregnancy and are associated with many important health benefits (such as reduced menstrual disorders; reduced risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers with long-term use; avoidance of risks associated with unplanned pregnancy). These benefits far outweigh the risks in most women.

All medicines and medical devices have side effects, but it is often difficult to predict which individuals may be at risk, or when side effects may occur. It is also important to recognise that some symptoms experienced whilst using a contraceptive may not be side-effects caused by the product.

In some women, hormonal contraceptives can cause side effects, most commonly headaches, mood alterations and breast tenderness. However, rare cases of venous thromboembolism (blood clots in the veins especially those of the legs and the lungs), arterial thromboembolism (blood clots in arteries e.g. heart attack or stroke) may occur. Full details of possible side effects with all contraceptives are available in the product information. This comprises the patient information leaflet (PIL) which is provided with each pack of medicine or by health care providers, and the Summary of medicinal Product Characteristic (SmPC) which contains information intended for health care professionals including doctors and pharmacists The product information for all UK medicines, including contraceptives can be viewed on the electronic medicines compendium (eMC). www.medicines.org.uk/emc

When women request hormonal contraception, their individual risk factors for known serious side effects are assessed. If they are especially at risk of serious side effects, then alternative methods of contraception associated with a lower risk of harm for the woman will be recommended.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care responsible for ensuring the safety, quality and effectiveness of medicines and medical devices. The MHRA keeps the safety of all medicines and medical devices, including contraceptives under close and continual review. If any new important safety issues are identified, appropriate regulatory action will be taken and communicated to healthcare professionals and patients alike. One way the MHRA monitors the safety of medicines in everyday use is through the UK’s spontaneous adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting system, namely the Yellow Card Scheme. If a woman experiences side effects with a contraceptive method (including any possible side effects not listed in the PIL) they should talk to their doctor or pharmacist. . Side effects can be reported directly to the MHRA via the Yellow Card Scheme website www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. By reporting side effects, people can help provide more information on the safety of medicines and medical products.

Department of Health and Social Care

This response was given on 9 September 2020. The Petitions Committee then requested a revised response, that more directly addressed the request of the petition.

The Government has launched a public survey, to help decide on what should be included in its new Women’s Health Strategy for England.

They want to hear from women of all ages and backgrounds about their healthcare experiences. This will help the Government consider possible changes to NHS services.

The survey is open to anyone aged 16 or over.

Share your experiences with the Government here, by 30 May:
https://consultations.dhsc.gov.uk/talkwomenshealth

Specifically, the Government wants to hear views on the following themes:

1. Placing women’s voices at the centre of their health and care
2. Improving the quality and accessibility of information and education on women’s health
3. Ensuring the health and care system understands and is responsive to women’s health and care needs across the life course
4. Maximising women’s health in the workplace
5. Ensuring research, evidence and data support improvements in women’s health
6. Understanding and responding to the impacts of COVID-19 on women’s health

Find out more about the Strategy, and the issues the Government wants to hear about in its survey, here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-launches-call-for-evidence-to-improve-health-and-wellbeing-of-women-in-england

Read the full Call for Evidence here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/womens-health-strategy-call-for-evidence

What is the Women's Health Strategy?

The Government has promised to develop a new Women's Health Strategy. The Strategy will aim to improve the health and wellbeing of women across England, and ensure NHS services in England are meeting women's needs.

In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, health services are the responsibility of the devolved Governments, so the Strategy will only apply to England.

Who is running the consultation?

The consultation is being run by the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), the Government Department responsible for the NHS and oversight of social care in England.

Find out more about DHSC:
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-of-health-and-social-care