Why You May Be More at Risk For Contraceptive Failure

No method of contraception is 100% protective. Even if used consistently most methods will fail in a small percentage of cases.

With birth control pills, patches, rings, implants, and injectables contraception protection comes from having an adequate blood level of hormone.

We blame missed dosages or interfering medications for the reasons women have unplanned pregnancies on their contraceptive methods.

Gradually the field of pharmacogenetics has been giving insights for personalized medicine. Pharmacogenomics is the term for this newer field that focuses on how genes affect a person’s response to drugs. We have used the insights in pharmocogenomics to treat patients with blood thinners, patients with response to antidepressants, pain medication, weight loss medications, just to name a few

In a new study of about 350 women the researchers have just found out that this gene; CYP3A7*1C, which is carried by about 5% of the overall population” is the reason some women may have contraceptive failure. For those women with this variant of the CYP3A7 gene they don’t get a good blood level as they metabolize their hormones too quickly, so they will get breakthrough ovulations and pregnancy.

It’s possible that these poorer levels are also the reason some women get ovarian cysts, or endometriosis in spite of using pills.

To understand what the right contraceptive method would be for you, come in to discuss your options at Women’s Health Practice.