The benefits of Oral Contraceptives

A A Kubba, Asha Kubba
Journal of the Royal Society of Health · 1985 · vol. 105(2) , pp. 73–74 · doi:10.1177/146642408510500209 · W2028616530
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Abstract

Although the adverse effects of oral contraceptives (OCs) should be given serious consideration, the many beneficial effects of OC use should also receive recognition. The main advantage of the pill is its effectiveness as a method of reversible fertility control, enabling women to be free of the fear of unwanted pregnancy and its psychological, social, and physical implications. In addition, however, there are numerous noncontraceptive advantages. Many symptoms related to ovulation and menstruation, such as dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, irregular menses, menorrhagia, and ovulation pain, disappear or are greatly reduced through OC use, especially in young women. Endometriosis and functional ovarian cysts are less common in OC users, and the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease in OC users is about half that in nonusers of contraception. The reduced menstrual blood loss resulting from OC use cuts the risk of iron deficiency anemia by 50%. In addition, the pill has a protective effect against benign breast disease and appears to reduce the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer. Other beneficial effects include a reduction in the rate of thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and possibly duodenal ulcers.

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Condition tags

endometriosisdysmenorrhea

MeSH descriptors

Contraceptives, Oral Genital Diseases, Female Contraceptives, Oral Female Genital Diseases, Female Humans

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License: CC0 · commercial use OK