[The statement of Polish Gynecological Society experts on oral use of contraceptive 75 microg desogestrel minipill in different clinical cases--state of art in 2008]

Recent epidemiologic studies indicate that use of combined oral contraception is associated with a increase in the incidence of cardiovascular disease (venous thromboembolism, pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction and stroke). The risk of cardiovascular disease is strongly related to estrogen dose, progestogen type and other factors for example thrombogenic mutations and cigarette smoking among female over age 35. The progestogen only contraception is safe alternative to combined hormonal contraception. Progestogen only pill (POP) has different levels of action (local and/or central) which may vary from one drug to another. As for the cardiovascular disease risk, progestogens are not considered to be risk factors. Desogestrel containing POP is advised in the following cases: bad tolerance of exogenous oestrogens; in order to counteract an endogenous hyperoestrogenosis; medical, metabolic or cardiovascular contraindications to estroprogestogen contraception. Lastly, POP should be used as a prime contraception in some particular situations (breast feeding, endometriosis, adenomyosis, cigarette smoking, contraception for older women). These recommendations present the actual system of care in that population of women in Poland.