[The pill: past, present and future].

The past present and future of the oral contraceptive pill is summarized broadly including ancient history and efficacy of traditional contraceptives and use of early estrogen treatment for dysmennorhea (1940-1952). The present development of combination and sequential pills is traced. Side effects and mortality are considered in comparison with pregnancy and other modern contraceptives. It is probable that the pill will reduce cancer of the uterus. Future derivatives of the pill are the progestagen minipills and implants estrogen morning-after pills and implants new pills Danazol (23-isoxazol-17-alpha-ethinyl testosterone) and Ferrosan F6103 (bis-p-acetoxy-phenyl-2-methyl-cyclohexylidenemethane).