BACKGROUND The association between hormonal contraception and cervical cancer is controversial. These controversies may hamper the uptake of hormonal contraceptives. OBJECTIVE To determine the association between hormonal contraceptives and cervical neoplasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a case-control study in which Pap-smear results of 156 participants on hormonal contraceptives were c...

Since their introduction in the 1960s, oral contraceptives have been rapidly accepted as an effective method of contraception, with over 100 million users worldwide. Lower-dose pills have been formulated over the years so that, for the majority, the pill is extremely safe, often with added health benefits. Major risks related to pill use are now also recognised so that women at particular risk ...

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of post-operative oral contraceptives (OCs) use on the rate of recurrence after laparoscopic excision of ovarian endometrioma. METHODS In May 2005, we introduced a 'post-operative OC recommendation' for patients treated with laparoscopic excision of endometrioma. That is, at the time of the operation, we provided each patient with in...

The use of emergency contraceptives (EC) to prevent unwanted pregnancies when effective contraception has not been used is universally acknowledged. A study looked at the knowledge and practices of emergency contraception in 476 women in the reproductive age in Ghana. Knowledge and usage of EC applied to 57% and 41% of participants, respectively. Knowledge was independent of age (p = 0.26), mar...

In this issue we present more information about the results of our ongoing work, a schedule of upcoming research projects, and practical information about plant foods and health. We are also providing you with the American Heart Association’s recently revised dietary guidelines and an analysis that we received concerning the recent publication of data concerning the use of oral contraceptives a...

Indonesia established its Village Midwife Program in 1989 to combat high rates of maternal mortality. The program's goals were to address gaps in access to reproductive health care for rural women, increase access to and use of family planning services, and broaden the mix of available contraceptive methods. In this study, we use longitudinal data from the Indonesia Family Life Survey to examin...

The side-effects encountered by 1,090 patients taking the oral contraceptive pill were reviewed. The main side-effects were migraine, headaches, weight gain, depression, and irregular bleeding. Reasons for changing the Pill are discussed, and recommendations are suggested for a way of monitoring patients taking the Pill. Analysis of the results show that 50 per cent of patients are happy with t...

OBJECTIVE Many forms of contraception are available on prescription only for example, the oral contraceptive pill (OCP) and long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs). In this analysis we aim to identify key determinants of prescription contraceptive use. DESIGN Cross-sectional population survey. Data on sociodemographic indices, concerns about the OCP and perceived barriers to access were...

The vaginal microbiology of women attending a family planning clinic was found to be unrelated to the use of oral contraceptives and vaginal tampons. Beta haemolytic streptococci isolated from this ;normal' population were compared with those from 1,104 women attending general practitioners complaining of vaginal discharge. There is a caution regarding the indications for antibiotic therapy. Ob...

The volume of the left and right breasts was measured daily in four nulliparous women during normal menstrual cycles and after the use of oral contraceptives. Breast volume increased significantly in the second half of both normal and contraceptive-controlled cycles. The mean total change in volume throughout the cycle was 100 ml under natural conditions and 66 ml on oral contraceptives.