Reexamining the oral contraceptive issues

Oral contraceptives have been in use since the 1960s. Over the past 20 plus years, the risks and benefits of oral contraceptives have captured the attention of the press and the public. According to current data, oral contraceptives seem to pose the greatest risk for women in their 40s who smoke cigarettes. They have the least risk and greatest benefit for young women, especially nonsmokers. This article focuses on a reexamination of the issues. Are oral contraceptives safe? If so, for whom? How can risk be predicted? What are noncontraceptive benefits? Implications for practice and for the future of oral contraceptives research are presented.