Oral contraceptive

Oral contraceptives are chemicals taken by mouth to inhibit normal fertility. All act on the hormonal system. Female oral contraceptives have been on the market since the early 1960s, and enjoy great popularity. They are used by millions of women around the world, though the acceptance varies by region: approximately one-third of sexually active women in the United Kingdom, but much less in countries such as Japan. Male oral contraceptives remain a subject of research and development, and are not widely available to the public.

Cautions and contraindications

Oral contraceptives may influence coagulation, increasing the risk of blood clots causing deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism, stroke and myocardial infarction (heart attack). This is especially so in women who already have some pre-existing cardiovascular disease, in women who have a familial tendency to form blood clots (such as familial factor V Leiden), women with obesity or hypercholesterolaemia (high cholesterol level) and in smokers.

Related Topics:
Coagulation - Blood clot - Deep venous thrombosis - Pulmonary embolism - Stroke - Myocardial infarction - Cardiovascular disease - Factor V Leiden - Obesity - Hypercholesterolaemia - High cholesterol level - Smokers

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The Pill has also been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, although newer Pill types may not influence breast cancer risk. In rare cases, high estrogen Pills may trigger benign intracranial hypertension.

Related Topics:
Breast cancer - Benign intracranial hypertension

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Women who use the Pill have an increased chance of developing certain serious problems that can be fatal. Benign liver tumors have been reported.

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The chance of developing most of the above problems increases with age - especially when certain other health problems are present. The risks are even greater for women who are age 35 or older, smoke more than 15 cigarettes a day, or have conditions associated with heart attack, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high levels of cholesterol, and certain inherited conditions that increase the risk of blood clotting. Women using the Pill who undergo major surgery seem to have a greater chance of having blood clots.

Related Topics:
Diabetes - High blood pressure - High levels of cholesterol

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