Can we use contraception implants or injections after stroke? Progesterone based?

Hi Cherie,

This is a really good question. Everyone’s situation and risk after a stroke is different so we strongly recommend consulting with a family planning specialist and / or a neurologist.

We did look at the question of oral contraception in our latest Clinical Guidelines for Stroke Management. But due to a lack of high-quality research, it wasn’t possible to draw strong conclusions that would apply to everybody. There isn’t any direct evidence from clinical trials, and stroke is uncommon in women of childbearing age, so there isn’t a lot of data from observational studies. However, some studies have found that oral contraception may be associated with an increased risk of stroke, although that risk is likely to be small.

For this reason, the Clinical Guidelines do recommend considering non-hormonal methods of contraception for women who’ve had a stroke. And if hormonal contraception is required, the preference is for medication that doesn’t contain oestrogen.

But the decision about contraception methods should involve an assessment of the overall risk and benefit of different options in consultation with your doctor.

If you have any further questions or would like to chat with a health professional, feel free to call StrokeLine on 1800 787 653 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm AEST).

Best wishes,

Katherine (StrokeLine)