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Semin Reprod Med 2001; 19(4): 295-304
DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-18637
Copyright © 2001 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Noncontraceptive Benefits and Therapeutic Uses of the Oral Contraceptive Pill

Molina Dayal, Kurt T. Barnhart
  • Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Publication History

Publication Date:
29 November 2001 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The oral contraceptive pill is one of the most extensively studied medications ever prescribed. The health benefits are numerous and outweigh the risks of their use. Definitive evidence exists for protection against ovarian and endometrial cancers, benign breast disease, pelvic inflammatory disease requiring hospitalization, ectopic pregnancy, and iron-deficiency anemia. It has also been suggested that oral contraceptives may provide a benefit on bone mineral density, uterine fibroids, toxic shock syndrome, and colorectal cancer. Minimal supportive evidence exists for oral contraceptives protecting against the development of functional ovarian cysts and rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment of medical disorders with oral contraceptives is an ``off-label'' practice. Dysmenorrhea, irregular or excessive bleeding, acne, hirsuitism, and endometriosis-associated pain are common targets for oral contraceptive therapy. Most patients are unaware of these health benefits and therapeutic uses of oral contraceptives, and they tend to overestimate their risk. Counseling and education are necessary to help women make well-informed health-care decisions and improve compliance.

KEYWORD

Noncontraceptive benefits - therapeutic uses - oral contraceptive pills - combination OCP

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