How long before surgery should combined contraception be stopped?

The correct answer is that combined contraception should be stopped at least 4 weeks before surgery. This recommendation is primarily based on the increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) associated with the use of combined hormonal contraceptives, particularly in the context of surgery and immobility.

During surgery, patients may experience periods of immobilization, which can significantly heighten the risk of clot formation. By discontinuing combined contraception 4 weeks prior to surgery, the patient allows sufficient time for any increased risk of VTE associated with the hormonal components of the contraception to diminish.

It is essential for healthcare providers to ensure that patients are aware of this guideline to optimize their safety and reduce the risk of postoperative complications. The timing is critical, as stopping it too close to the surgical date might not afford adequate time to mitigate the risk. Therefore, the 4-week timeframe is established as a precautionary measure to contribute to patient safety during the perioperative period.