What is a known effect of using progestin-only contraceptives?

• A. Alteration of breast milk quality
• B. Increased risk for cardiovascular disease
• C. Risk for overgrowth of endometrium
• D. Effect on long-term fertility

Answer: (C)

The use of progestin-only contraceptives is specifically designed to provide effective contraception while minimizing certain risks associated with estrogen-containing contraceptives. One of the mechanisms of progestins is their ability to create an environment in the endometrium that is not conducive to implantation of a fertilized egg.

In fact, progestin-only contraceptives primarily work by thickening the cervical mucus, thus blocking sperm from reaching the egg, and thinning the endometrial lining, which can indeed lead to a reduced risk of endometrial overgrowth. This is particularly relevant in women who may have a higher risk of endometrial hyperplasia due to conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or those who are not ovulating regularly.

While it's true that progestin-only contraceptives do not carry the same risks as estrogen-containing contraceptives in regards to cardiovascular disease, they also do not typically alter the quality of breast milk significantly in breastfeeding women. Moreover, they do not adversely affect long-term fertility, as fertility usually returns quickly upon discontinuation of the method.

In summary, the known effect regarding the endometrium aligns with progestin-only contraceptives performing effectively in preventing hyper