Acne and oral contraceptives: update on women's health screening guidelines

Oral contraceptives (OCs) have been shown to be safe and effective for the treatment of acne in most women of childbearing potential, and several have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for this purpose. However, dermatologists have historically been reluctant to prescribe OCs for acne because of long-standing recommendations requiring a preliminary pelvic examination and Papanicolaou smear before initiation of therapy. In recent guideline shifts, expert panels and major health organizations have reached a consensus that OC provision no longer necessitates the performance of a pelvic examination and Papanicolaou smear. These new guideline revisions could change the way dermatologists treat acne in their healthy female patients of child-bearing age.