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Published on: August 13, 2019
Current perspectives on oral contraceptive use
R T Burkman1, J A Collins, L P Shulman
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA USA.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|August 25, 2001
Summary
Oral contraceptives offer effective birth control and numerous health benefits, including reduced risks of ovarian and endometrial cancers. They also help manage menstrual irregularities and protect against other conditions, benefiting women of all reproductive ages.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Gynecology
- Public Health
Background:
- Oral contraceptives (OCs) are widely used for pregnancy prevention.
- OCs are associated with various non-contraceptive health benefits and risks.
- Understanding these benefits and risks is crucial for informed decision-making.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the extensive health benefits of oral contraceptive use.
- To clarify the risks associated with oral contraceptive use, particularly cardiovascular and thromboembolic events.
- To highlight the applicability of OCs for women of all reproductive ages, including perimenopausal women.
Main Methods:
- Review of large bodies of evidence from extensive research.
- Analysis of findings regarding cardiovascular disease and breast cancer associations.
- Evaluation of risks such as venous thromboembolism (VTE) and comparison with pregnancy risks.
Main Results:
- OCs effectively control menstrual irregularities and dysfunctional uterine bleeding.
- Long-term use significantly reduces risks of ovarian (up to 80%) and endometrial (40%-50%) cancers.
- No increased risk of myocardial infarction or stroke in healthy, non-smoking, normotensive women; absolute VTE risk is small and lower than during pregnancy.
Conclusions:
- Oral contraceptives provide substantial short- and long-term health benefits beyond contraception.
- The benefits, including cancer risk reduction and management of gynecologic issues, outweigh the small risks for most women.
- Women of all reproductive ages can benefit from OCs, contributing to improved long-term health status.
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