The best prophet of the future is the past: oral contraception and novel components.

摘要

Contraception remains a major point of contention in almost all aspects of our society, from political to religious to medical, despite extensive and consistent evidence that reaffirms the profound health benefits of effective contraception. Why contraception evokes such strong emotions is not entirely clear, though its inherent linkage to sex and sexuality, and most importantly, to female sexuality, is likely a key factor. However, as opposed to those who rail against the availability and use of contraception because of political or religious convictions, I have never understood the basis for attacks on the use of hormonal contraception from a medical or patient safety point of view. Granted, the use of hormonal contraceptives that contain estrogens is associated with a small but well-defined increased risk for thromboembolic events. However, it has been demonstrated over and over again that the prevention of unintended pregnancy, whether by effective hormonal or nonhormonal methods, is associated with a profound and significant reduction in morbidity and mortality.