Risks and benefits of oral contraceptive pills
D'Souza, R.E.; Guillebaud, J.
Best Practice and Research. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology 16(2): 133-154
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 1521-6934 PMID: 12041958 DOI: 10.1053/beog.2002.0266Document Number: 243389
In the more than 40 years since the combined oral contraceptive pill was first marketed, much information has been obtained as to its risks. Considerably less publicity has been given to the balancing benefits that have also emerged. There has been an increasing realization that the risks are focused in those women with recognised risk factors, meaning that the remainder can use the product with increasing reassurance. The doses of both hormones have also been lowered considerably since the early years. Thus, it can be a rational decision by a fully informed woman to use this form of contraception.