title: Oral contraceptives--an update.
abstract: Four decades after introduction of the pill, more women than ever are using it. Today's low-dose oral contraceptives are safer and just as effective as earlier pills. Taken regularly, the pill prevents pregnancy almost without fail. Pill users benefit in other ways, too, such as less anemia and protection from certain cancers. Lower doses have reduced the circulatory disease risks of the pill.
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Blackburn
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cunkelman
authors.forename: V M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Zlidar
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017723:Drug Utilization Review; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008598:Menstruation; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011247:Pregnancy; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D003276:Contraceptives, Oral