Oral contraceptives, abbreviatedOCPs, also known asbirth control pills, aremedications taken by mouth for the purpose ofbirth control. The introduction of thebirth control pill ("the Pill") in 1960 revolutionized the options for contraception, sparking vibrant discussion in the scientific and social science literature and in the media. Much attention focused on issues ofwomen's rights, including ethics and personal choice. But these medications also introduced new questions about risk.[1]
For perfect use it is 99% effective and typical use is 91% effective. Side effects of the pill include headache, dizziness, nausea, sore breasts, spotting, mood changes, acne, bloating, etc.[clarification needed]
One pill offers the benefit of only having to be taken once a week:
Mifepristone andmisoprostol, when used in combination, are more than 95% effective during the first 50 days of pregnancy.
Side-effects:
Breast cancer: there are studies showing higher risk of breast cancer among current users of hormonal contraceptives (especially oral contraceptive pills) compare to non-users.[2][3] This studies also specifically mentioned that it is the Oestrogen that plays the role regarding the development of breast cancer while the role for progestin is still unclear.[4]
Stroke: stroke is considered another side-effect for hormonal contraceptives and more importantly oral contraceptives, more importantly in the first year of use.[5]
Depression: there are also evidence showing that use of oral contraceptives mainly during the first 2 years will increase that risk of the depression. Although the risk is declining with continuation, there is still higher risk of depression amony ever users and non-users of oral contraceptives.[6]
^Lackie E, Fairchild A. The birth control pill, thromboembolic disease, science and the media: a historical review of the relationship. Contraception. 2016 Oct;94(4):295-302.doi:10.1016/j.contraception.2016.06.009. Epub 2016 Jun 22. PMID 27343747.
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