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Since 1960,
hormone levels
Pumping iron has replaced
flower power. Pinstripes have
replaced paisley. And Wall Street
has replaced Woodstock.
But of all the major changes that
have taken place since the 60's, one
is hardly visible at all: the change
that has taken place in the Pill.
In 1960, the Pill contained as
much as 150 mcgs. of the hormone
estrogen. Today, it's down to 35
mcgs. or less. That's afraction of the
original dosage.
Yet, today's Pill is as effective as
yesterday's. In fact, it's still the most
effective birth control available
other than sterilization.
But is the Pill right for you? You
should see your doctor to help you
answer that. If the answer is yes,
then the ultimate decision is yours.
And it's important that you learn all
you can about oral contraceptives.
First and foremost, what are the
risks? Does the Pill cause cancer?
Will it make you less fertile? Do you
need to take a rest from it? These are
just a few questions that have sur-
rounded the Pill since 1960. Ques-
tions which must be addressed by
you and your physician.
What about the Pill and breast
cancer? Although there are conflict-
ing reports concerning this issue,
the Centers for Disease Control
reported that women who took the
Pill, even for 15 years, ran no higher
risk of breast cancer than women
who didn't. The CDC also reported
that ovarian and uterine cancer are
substantially less common among
women who use oral contraceptives.
The Pill has been shown to have
other health benefits as well. Pill
users are less likely to develop pelvic
inflammatory disease (tubal infec-
tions), benign breast disease, ovari-
an cysts and iron deficiency anemia,
not to mention menstrual cramps.
But if the Pill is so effective at pre-
venting pregnancy, can it later pre-
vent you from having a baby when
you're ready to have one? Studies
4
in the Pill have
indicate that if you were fertile
before you took the Pill, taking it
will not affect your ability to have
children later. Some women may
experience a short period of read-
justment after discontinuing the
Pill. Even so, most women usually
become pregnant soon.
One piece of advice you may have
heard if you're on the Pill is that you
should take an occasional rest from
it. Yet there's no medical basis for
this advice. Furthermore, a rest
could turn out to be anything but
restful, since switching to a less
effective form of birth control
increases your chances for un-
planned pregnancy.
Now that you know what the risks
aren't, you should know what the
risks are. For example, if you are
taking the Pill, you should not
smoke. Especially if you are over 35.
Cigarette smoking is known to
increase the risk of serious and pos-
sibly life-threatening adverse effects
on the heart and blood vessels from
Pill use. What's more, women with
certain conditions or medical histo-
ries should not use the Pill.
Even if you're already on the Pill,
you should see your doctor at least
once a year. And read the patient
information regularly.
Taking the Pill is easy. Deciding
whether or not to take it isn't. That's
why it's so important for you to
make an informed decision. Contin-
ue reading everything you can about
birth control methods. Seek out reli-
able sources. Talk to your doctor.
You've already taken a step in the
I
4
dropped
considerably.
right direction. Just think, since you
began reading this, there's a good
chance your knowledge level about
the Pill has increased. Considerably.
J
A message from the Association of Reproductive Heali Professionals through an educational grant from Ortho Pharmaceutical Corporation.