Oral contraceptives: Risks

The modern combination oral contraceptive (OC) has become a mainstay in the effort to provide safe, reliable, and effective contraception. Safety concerns with OC use have largely been laid to rest as a result of multiple and extensive studies. Even so, misperceptions about the risks of OC use and a relative lack of recognition concerning the numerous and important noncontraceptive benefits limit their use, thus putting women in needless danger for unintended pregnancy. Indeed, even fears concerning breast cancer risk and OC use have been unsubstantiated by an abundance of data. Clinicians should be aware of the safety of low-dose OCs so that they can provide accurate and individualized counseling concerning the applicability of OCs and other contraceptive methods.