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Table of Contents – Hormonal Contraceptives
Hormonal contraceptives: history and controversy
Current events and benefits of 'the pill'
Hormonal contraceptives: history and controversy
Since the introduction of the first hormonal contraceptive, popularly known as "the pill," in the US in 1960 and in Europe in 1961 , social controversy surrounding this medication has not ceased. Historians consider it one of the most impactful events of the last 50 years, giving women the ability to separate sexuality from reproduction. This, in turn, has led to significant changes in sexual habits.
From its earliest years, the use of this medication has sparked considerable scientific and social controversy, often tinged with moral or religious prejudices, sometimes due to ignorance and at other times intentionally. This includes the attribution of nonexistent side effects , such as the possibility of causing sterility, metabolic disorders, or the development of various types of cancer in women.
The use of the pill became widespread in the 80s. Today, it is one of the medications with which we have the most experience, with an estimated 90 million users worldwide. As such, the safety of these medications has been unquestionably established for the majority of the population, provided, of course, that they are used under appropriate medical supervision.
Current events and benefits of 'the pill'
Currently, hormonal contraceptives in their multiple forms are widely used , allowing women to control their birth rate in a simple and safe way.
However, responsible use of these seems reasonable, and is recommended by all scientific societies:
- Before starting use, users must perform a gynecological review to rule out any problems prior to taking this medication. For example, a history of hormone-dependent tumors or certain genetic disorders that could affect coagulation (thrombophilias) and that may contraindicate the use of this method.
In healthy patients who do not carry any genetic factor that could affect its use, we can consider 'the pill' as a safe, effective and convenient method.
Finally, they are demonstrating other advantages of using hormonal contraceptives.
- In tumor prevention such as ovarian or colon cancer.
- On disease treatment and endometriosis or abnormal uterine bleeding of functional origin.
So much so that we affirm that hormonal contraceptives help improve the quality of life for many patients. And what's more important, without significant side effects , as long as the appropriate contraceptive is used.
In conclusion, we can consider the pill a safe and convenient contraceptive method for well-informed women who follow their medical checkups.
If you found this article interesting and would like to be seen by a specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Women's Unit at Ruber International Hospital has a specialized department in this area. You can request more information by calling 91 387 51 72/73/74 or schedule an in-person appointment with top specialists.
