Correcting misconceptions about oral contraceptives

Article Abstract:

Oral contraceptives (birth control pills; the pill) are the most effective reversible method of contraception available in the United States. However, most women believe that birth control pills can cause cancer, heart disease and affect future fertility. The amount of hormones in newer pill formulas have been significantly reduced. Most birth control pills combine the two hormones estrogen and progesterone to prevent ovulation. Some pill types have fixed hormone doses in all the active pills. The triphasic birth control pill delivers these hormones in varying dosages which resemble the pattern of a normal menstrual cycle. That is, the hormone combination is different in week one than in weeks two and three. Research has shown that these pills actually reduce the risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer. Furthermore, the occurrence of heart disease associated with higher estrogen formulas was the result of blood clots, not atherosclerosis (the build-up of plaque deposits inside arteries). The lower estrogen formulas, less than 50 micrograms, do not increase the incidence of heart attacks or stroke in women who do not smoke. In fact, some animal studies have demonstrated that birth control pills may protect against atherosclerosis. Other beneficial effects include: less blood loss and anemia, lower incidence of benign breast disease, decreased bone loss due to osteoporosis, and ovarian and endometrial cancer prevention. Lower dosed hormone preparations, such as the triphasic and monophasic contraceptive pills, are a safe method of birth control in healthy nonsmoking women of reproductive age.

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The patient's reaction to side effects of oral contraceptives

Article Abstract:

In the United States, 14 million women use birth control pills. Although the pill use is increasing, there are many women not using any method of birth control. Some women do not choose or continue to use birth control pills because of the associated side effects. The triphasic birth control pill is a type of pill which delivers the hormones progesterone and estrogen in dosages which resemble the hormonal pattern of a normal menstrual cycle. That is, the hormone combination and dose is different in week one than in weeks two and three. Approximately one-third of the women taking birth control pills experience bleeding irregularities. Many women will call or visit their physician or discontinue pill use without medical consultation because of bleeding irregularities, either breakthrough bleeding or no bleeding at all (withdrawal bleeding occurs during the week when no pills or inactive pills are taken). This is a great source of stress, a signal that something may be wrong physically or that pregnancy has occurred. Other common side effects are headache, nausea, mood changes, premenstrual syndrome and weight gain. Physicians should prepare patients, particularly sexually active adolescents, of the potential side effects. Patients should be encouraged to call and discuss symptoms rather than discontinue use and risk an unwanted pregnancy. The pill having the lowest hormone dose possible with the least side effects should be prescribed.

Research, Patient compliance

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A genetic male infant with female phenotype in camptomelic syndrome: a possible relationship to exposure to oral contraceptives during pregnancy

Article Abstract:

Taking oral contraceptives during pregnancy may cause a rare syndrome called Camptomelic syndrome. A second case is reported of a genetically male but anatomically female infant with camptomelic syndrome in which the mother took oral contraceptives during pregnancy. Camptomelic syndrome is severe malformation of cartilage and bone. It sometimes, but not always, causes sex revesal in affected genetic males. In this case, the mother took Ortho-Novum for 18 months prior to conception and during the first six months of pregnancy.

Causes of, Birth defects

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