$Unique_ID{BRK01452}
$Pretitle{Genitourinary System}
$Title{Do You Consider Birth Control Pills Safe?}
$Subject{birth control medications}
$Volume{J-23}
$Log{
The Birth Control Pill*0002003.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Do You Consider Birth Control Pills Safe?


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QUESTION:  Maybe I am just over cautious, but I would like more information
about the safety of birth control pills.  I am starting to take them again
after a second child, but remember there were many articles about their
dangers some years ago.  Do you consider them safe, and are they very
effective.  Our family is just the right size now.

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ANSWER:  In the early days of oral contraceptives, there were many reports of
unwanted and undesirable side effects.  These were related to the dosage of
hormones contained in those preparations.  However as time progressed, a whole
array of new, low-dose formulations became available to physicians, the number
and intensity of side effects diminished and the safety factor increased.
These new low-dose varieties have demonstrated a high degree of effectiveness,
and are now considered the most effective reversible method of birth control
(other than injectable progestin).  Since there are so many combinations
available, a physician can prescribe the dosage form that best suits the needs
of a patient, and certainly the one with the least side effects.  There still
are some commonly occurring side effects, nausea, headache and weight gain,
but they frequently pass after a short time, or can be alleviated by switching
to another combination of medications, or to one with a different dose of
hormones.  The often expressed concern of death from these prescriptions is
not born out in fact as this event is extremely rare.  In a non smoking
patient, death from an auto accident is ten times more likely than from birth
control pills.  Though there are number of situations in which birth control
pills should not be prescribed, history of stroke, clots in the veins,
coronary artery disease, known or suspected cancer of the breast, or impaired
liver function among others, there are also many benefits beside birth control
that result from these medications.  They include lower incidence of pelvic
inflammatory disease, ovarian cancer, fibrocystic disease, premenstrual
tension syndrome and others.  In addition there are fewer menstrual cramps,
less intense flow and more predicable menses.  You may have some concerns
answered by asking your doctor about the specific type of medication
prescribed for you, and requesting literature about your medication.
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.
