title: Acne and oral contraceptives: update on women's health screening guidelines.
abstract: Oral contraceptives (OCs) have been shown to be safe and effective for the treatment of acne in most women of childbearing potential, and several have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for this purpose. However, dermatologists have historically been reluctant to prescribe OCs for acne because of long-standing recommendations requiring a preliminary pelvic examination and Papanicolaou smear before initiation of therapy. In recent guideline shifts, expert panels and major health organizations have reached a consensus that OC provision no longer necessitates the performance of a pelvic examination and Papanicolaou smear. These new guideline revisions could change the way dermatologists treat acne in their healthy female patients of child-bearing age.
authors: The Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
authors: Jason E
authors: JE
authors: Frangos
authors: Christina N
authors: CN
authors: Alavian
authors: Alexa B
authors: AB
authors: Kimball
mesh_terms: D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000328:Adult; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000075202:Contraindications; D003944:Diagnostic Techniques, Obstetrical and Gynecological; D005260:Female; D005836:Genitalia, Female; D006801:Humans; D065006:Papanicolaou Test; D010808:Physical Examination; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D014626:Vaginal Smears
chemical_list: D003276:Contraceptives, Oral