Review, 2001
What health benefits does the oral contraceptive pill provide?
The oral contraceptive pill has proven benefits including protection against ovarian and endometrial cancers, preventing serious infections and pregnancy complications, and preventing anemia. It can also treat painful periods, heavy bleeding, acne, and endometriosis pain.
What they did
Reviewed research evidence on the health benefits and medical uses of oral contraceptive pills.
What they found
Clear evidence shows oral contraceptives protect against ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, benign breast disease, pelvic inflammatory disease requiring hospitalization, ectopic pregnancy, and iron-deficiency anemia. They may also help with bone strength, uterine fibroids, and colorectal cancer. Oral contraceptives can treat painful periods, irregular or heavy bleeding, acne, and endometriosis pain.
What it means for you
Oral contraceptives have many proven health benefits beyond preventing pregnancy, but most women don't know about them. Healthcare providers should discuss these benefits with women so they can make well-informed decisions about contraception.
About the study
- Original title
- Noncontraceptive benefits and therapeutic uses of the oral contraceptive pill
- Authors
- Dayal M, Barnhart KT
- Journal
- Seminars in reproductive medicine
- Year
- 2001
- Study design
- Review
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1055/s-2001-18637
Topics
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