Title: Disadvantages of COCs
Course: Family Planning - Ethiopia (Full)

Disadvantages of COCs

Although they are advantageous in many cases, COCs have some disadvantages, and you should inform your clients about these disadvantages in order to help them choose from all available methods.

One of the main disadvantages of COCs is that they are not recommended for breastfeeding women, because they affect the quality and quantity of milk. Very rarely, COCs can also cause strokes, blood clots in deep veins of the legs, or heart attacks. Those at highest risk are women with high blood pressure and women who are aged 35 years or older. Also bear in mind that the pills do not protect against STIs, including AIDS.