Healthy women may take oral contraceptives from the onset of puberty through menopause. Combined estrogen and progestin make up what is commonly called "the pill," which works by inhibiting ovarian follicle development and altering the female cycle to prevent ovulation. The pill may be contraindicated for women with cardiovascular risk factors, such as smokers and those with high cholesterol or high blood pressure.
Cervical Cancer
Current and recent use of the pill has been associated with a higher risk of invasive cervical cancer. A Johns Hopkins study of 1,070 women between the ages of 20 and 37 who used combined oral contraceptives showed an increase in human papillomavirus, or HPV, infection among those who took the pill for more than six years when compared to women who never took the pill. The increase was independent of sexual behaviors and cervical abnormalities, and was not seen in those taking progestin-only formulas. Researchers concluded an association between long-term pill use and cervical cancer is due to a higher rate of HPV infection among those who take contraceptives. The study was published in the August 2010 "International Journal of Cancer."
Gum Disease
Researchers in Iran studied the dental health of women between the ages of 17 and 35 who had been on the pill for at least two years. Subjects were matched with controls by age, habits, educational level and occupation. Bleeding gums and inflammation were found more often in those using birth control pills. The study was published in May 2010 in "The Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice." Researchers suggested that young women be made aware of the risks of contraceptive-induced gingivitis and be encouraged to do more preventive care at home.
Breast Cancer
A Harvard study enrolled 116,608 nurses between the ages of 25 and 42 in 1989 to look for links between oral contraceptives and breast cancer. By 2001, there were 1,344 cases of invasive breast cancer in the study group. Current use of the pill was associated with an increased risk; the use of triphasic contraceptives containing lovonorgestrel accounted for the majority of breast cancer risk. Past use was unrelated to outcomes in this study. The authors, who published the findings in the August 2010 "Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention," suggested ongoing research in this area is needed in light of changing contraceptive formulas.
Gallstones
The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse reports that women taking birth control pills are at risk of developing gallstones. This is because hormones used in contraceptives increase the amount of cholesterol in bile flowing from the liver and cause less movement of the gallbladder, where bile collects. This sets the stage for the formation of gallstones. Not all gallstones cause symptoms, however, obstruction of the bile duct results in severe abdominal pain. Infection and pancreatitis are more serious complications. Treatment usually involves the surgical removal of the gallbladder.
References
- "International Journal of Cancer"; The Association of Hormonal Contraceptive Use and HPV Prevalence; M. Marks et. al.; Aug. 23, 2010
- "The Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice," The Association Between Current Low-Dose Oral Contraceptive Pills and Periodontal Health: a Matched-Case-Control Study; A. Haerian-Ardakani et. al.; May 1, 2010
- "Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention"; Oral contraceptive use and breast cancer: A prospective study of young women; D.J. Hunter et. al.; Aug. 27, 2010
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Gallstones
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