The discovery that progesterone blocked ovulation and the developmentof the combined oral contraceptive pill in the 1950s were landmarksin the control of human fertility1,2. By providing women witha reliable method of regulating their fertility, the combinedoral contraceptive has played an essential part in allowingthem to participate fully in society. In spite of initial alarmthat it would lead to sexual promiscuity and moral degeneration,the use of hormonal steroids rapidly became widespread and isthe most popular method of contraception in most Western countries3.
Methods of Hormonal Contraception
Hormonal contraceptive steroids are available mainly as oralpreparations, . . . [Full Text of this Article]
Developments in Combined Oral Contraception
Risks of Combined Oral Contraceptive Agents
Endometrial and Ovarian Cancer
Liver Cancer
Cancer of the Cervix
Breast Cancer
Cardiovascular Disease and Lipid Metabolism
Glucose Tolerance
Hypertension
Contraception with Progestogen Only
New Delivery Systems
Postcoital Contraception
Hormone-Impregnated Intrauterine Devices
Male Contraception
New Developments
Conclusions
Source Information
From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Centre for Reproductive Biology, University of Edinburgh, 37 Chalmers St., Edinburgh EH3 9EW, Scotland, where reprint requests should be addressed to Dr. Baird.
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