[Inflammatory bowel disease and hormonal contraception]

Case reports and controlled studies show a definite relationship between the use of oral contraceptives and chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Based on a review of the literature, the clinical, radiological and endoscopic features of bowel disease associated with the use of oral contraceptives are described and the pathogenesis is discussed. The use of contraceptives should be inquired into in any women presenting with chronic enteritis or colitis, since this could be of decisive prognostic and therapeutic importance.