title: Non-contraceptive benefits and risks of contraception.
abstract: Contraception is primarily used to prevent pregnancy. However, a user should be aware of both the possible non-contraceptive benefits she/he may experience and any potential risks to her/his health. These issues should be discussed as fully as possible, using current, evidence-based information prior to commencing a method. Some methods may be prescribed solely for their non-contraceptive benefits for a woman who does not require it for contraception. Potential risks to a woman's health may make certain methods unacceptable if concurrent medical problems or lifestyle issues exist. This chapter discusses the main non-contraceptive benefits and risks for each contraceptive method in turn.
authors.affiliation: The Margaret Pyke Centre, 73 Charlotte Street, London, UK. zara.marsh@tesco.net
authors.forename: Zara
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Haider
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: D'Souza
mesh_terms: D003267:Contraception / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D003268:Contraception Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000517:prevention & control; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008599:Menstruation Disturbances / Q000628:therapy; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control