Conclusions
Dr. Álvaro Monterrosa Castro, MD
hThere is sufficient evidence to demonstrate the important benefits of combined oral contraceptives for women’s health. (1,2,71,76). The combination of estrogens and progestins are a highly effective method to regulate fertility. They are the most popular reversible female contraceptive method. And they are probably the most widely researched and controlled pharmacological agents (11,73,213).
First, in healthy women, the benefits outweigh the risks, especially in developing countries.
Since 1980 it has been shown that the most dangerous effects are cardiovascular disorders. Myocardial infarction, stroke and thromboembolic phenomena. They could be significantly reduced by reducing the concentration of estrogen and ensuring that the patient was not a smoker. (1).
Even today it has been asserted that the microdose pill could be protective against myocardial infarction (33). Recent studies evaluate the effect of new progestogens.
In contrast, controversy continues to exist regarding the possible risk of breast cancer. Especially in some age sub-groups. However, after large studies that analyze more than 20 years of use of oral contraceptives. There is no irrefutable evidence that there is an increased risk of breast cancer. (76,144,145,146,147).
On the other hand, although the non-contraceptive beneficial effects were evident with the old macrodoses (9). Furthermore, there is reason to believe that they continue to occur with preparations containing less than 50 ug of ethinyl-estradiol. (3.71). Likewise, there are already studies with microdoses that demonstrate a decrease in the incidence of ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer. (76).
Likewise, we must inform our patients of the beneficial effects implicit in using oral contraceptives.
(Read Also: Combined Oral Contraceptives, Bibliography)
Finally, Ronald Bossenmayer (193) quotes J. Guillebaud who said:
“Birth control tablets are safe, but some habits of a woman’s life are not“. Since unwanted pregnancies can have serious negative effects on the health and well-being of the woman and her families. The use of effective and safe contraception is of fundamental importance.
Dr. Álvaro Monterrosa Castro, MD
