A clinical appraisal of patients following long-term contraception

This study presents a clinical evaluation of private patients between the ages of 16 and 40 who have used contraceptive measures from January 1, 1961, through December 31, 1973. The clinical evaluation involves 3,746 private patients. The contraceptive methods of 641 patients (17 per cent) who have been bollowed for a total of 99,996 months (13 years each) are presented and analyzed. The patients are evaluated as to weight, blood pressure, pregnancy, pap smears. laboratory changes, pelvic surgery, breast surgery, incidence of cancer, contraceptive failures and changes in contraceptive practices over this span of time. This paper evaluates the role of such sociologic factors as education, religion, economic level, occupation, working status, changing marital status, age at the time of contraceptive choice, and the attitude of the husband with regard to long-term contraceptive therapy. Side effects have been well publicized. Safety has been questioned but essentially proved for the vast majority of the patients. Collected data enable some insight into the life style and motivation of the long-term contraceptive users.