$Unique_ID{BRK00203}
$Pretitle{Genitourinary System}
$Title{What's New About New Oral Contraceptives?}
$Subject{contraception types birth control}
$Volume{J-22}
$Log{
Figure 1*0002001.scf
Figure 2*0002002.scf
Figure 3*0002003.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What's New About New Oral Contraceptives?


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QUESTION:  With IUD's no longer a happy choice, I am trying to decide about
methods for birth control.  What's new about new oral contraceptives?

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ANSWER:  When the pill was first introduced in 1960, it contained rather high
amounts of estrogen and progesterone which created certain undesirable side
effects in some of the women taking them.  After years of testing and
research, however, it became apparent that such high doses were not necessary
for preventing pregnancy.  As a result, new low-dose oral contraceptives have
been formulated and these new pills can protect against pregnancy with minimal
side effects.  The newest low-dose contraceptives on the market are
"triphasic" pills which use three different estrogen-progesterone dosages that
match the body's changing needs during the month.  The pills have a different
color for each phase, giving the lowest possible dose of hormones that will be
effective at each given point in the cycle.
     Because oral contraceptives were known to cause bad side effects in the
past, it is worth mentioning that it is now known that the pill actually
offers additional benefits.  Recent studies have determined that oral
contraceptive use decreases the risk for both uterine and ovarian cancer and
there is conclusive evidence that there is no association between the pill and
breast cancer.  Furthermore, women taking the pill frequently have lighter
flows and less trouble with cramps.  Therefore, women who have been skeptical
about taking the pill in the past can feel assured that the new pill is a safe
and viable form of birth control.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
