Smoking and cycle control among oral contraceptive users

Article Abstract:

Women who smoke may experience poorer control of menstrual cycles while using oral contraceptives than nonsmokers. Researchers analyzed the findings of three large studies involving 2,956 women, one-third of whom smoked, who used oral contraceptives. Smokers had a 47% greater occurrence of spotting or bleeding over the six menstrual cycles studied than did nonsmokers. The heaviest smokers, smoking 16 or more cigarettes a day, had three times the rate of spotting or bleeding than did nonsmokers. Cigarette smoking may increase the body's consumption of estrogen, which is increased by oral contraceptive use and is responsible for preventing conception. Women who experience spotting or bleeding in connection with oral contraceptives use may be more likely to discontinue their use, and may go on to use less dependable contraceptives.

Physiological aspects, Smoking, Menstrual cycle

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Oral contraceptive discontinuation: a prospective evaluation of frequency and reasons

Article Abstract:

A substantial number of women stop using oral contraceptives less than a year after starting. In a study of 1,657 women who began taking an oral contraceptive, only 68% were still using it six months later. Sixteen percent of the women who had switched to an oral contraceptive from some other type of birth control had also stopped taking it. Almost half of those who stopped taking the pills said they did so because of side effects. More than four-fifths still had risk factors for unplanned pregnancy but did not begin another means of contraception.

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Causes and consequences of oral contraceptive noncompliance

Article Abstract:

Doctors should provide counseling to women who are taking oral contraceptives to encourage complete compliance with the treatment. Researchers have found that 47% of all women on oral contraceptives miss taking more than one pill per cycle. Side effects are a common reason for this. However, many side effects are temporary. Doctors should also tell women what they can do if they miss a pill. Inconsistent oral contraceptive use is believed to cause 20% of all unplanned pregnancies each year in the US.

Analysis, Patient compliance

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