title: Benefits and risks of oral contraceptive use.
abstract: As a general rule, the lowest-dose oral contraceptive should be prescribed that minimizes side effects while maintaining contraceptive protection. A woman who experiences mild side effects should be encouraged to tolerate symptoms for three menstrual cycles before a decision is made to change the prescription. Compliance may also be improved by informing women of the noncontraceptive health benefits of oral contraceptives: less menstrual blood loss and a lower incidence of menorrhagia, irregular bleeding, benign breast disease, endometrial cancer, dysmenorrhea, ovarian cysts or tumors, and salpingitis. Adequate patient education and supportive counseling are key factors in patient satisfaction and hence compliance.
authors.affiliation: University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville 32610.
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004347:Drug Interactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000592:standards; D017060:Patient Satisfaction
chemical_list: D003276:Contraceptives, Oral