Which type of birth control is not recommended for women with a history of thromboembolism?

The combined oral contraceptive pill is not recommended for women with a history of thromboembolism due to the estrogen component present in these pills. Estrogen is known to increase the risk of blood clot formation, which can lead to serious health complications such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Women who have a history of thromboembolic events are generally advised to avoid estrogen-containing contraceptives to mitigate these risks.

In contrast, methods like the levonorgestrel-releasing IUD, transdermal patch, and barrier methods do not carry the same level of risk associated with thromboembolism. The levonorgestrel IUD is a progestin-only method, which significantly reduces the risk of blood clots. The transdermal patch also contains hormones but carries a different risk profile, and barrier methods, such as condoms, do not involve hormones at all, making them safe alternatives for women with such a medical history.