Recent medical news. Oral contraceptives and health.

The combined pill containing estrogen and progestogen is 99% effective against pregnancy. This oral contraceptive (OC) is probably the most widely researched drug in modern medicine. Medicine is an uncertain discipline and no guarantee can ever be given for certainty of a diagnosis or safety of any drug. Therefore OCs are under constant review by scientists throughout the world. A recent research paper published in the British Journal of General Practice reassures women who use OCs. Writing an article to follow up the OC study carried out by the Royal College of General Practitioners Research Unit Drs. Hannaford and Kay have clarified: 1) Women who have used the combined pill with 50 mcg of estrogen in the past can be reassured that the small increased risk of serious disease associated with that dosage of estrogen in the pill does not persist after stopping the pill. Moreover latent effects do not appear later in life. 2) Currently available OCs containing less than 50 mcg of estrogen (which is accompanied by the progestogen levonorgestrel or norethisterone acetate) do not appear to be associated with an increased net risk of serious disease which can be life-threatening and/or associated with long-term disability. Although the debate and research continues it should be remembered that no child should be conceived that could become an unwanted child. However a wanted child is a great asset for parents and society. Therefore there is a greater need for understanding and promotion of family planning services throughout the world. However there are benefits and risks attached to all contraceptive methods. Every woman who chooses to use contraception should consult a trained health professional before during and after using any contraceptive method. Finally it is noteworthy that the risk of an unwanted pregnancy is far greater than being on the combined pill for 1 year. Nevertheless a doctor or a family planning nurse can help a woman to choose an appropriate contraceptive method. (full text)