Title: Warning memo to women: either stop "pill" or smoking.

POPLINE Document Number: 771477

Author(s):

HOROWITZ N

Source citation:

Medical Tribune 18(17): 6. May 4, 1977,

Abstract:

Planned Parenthood has issued an advisory warning that women who smoke and use oral contraceptives must be asked to choose between cigarettes and "the pill." In older women using the pill, smoking is the most important single cause of fatal myocardial infarctions, particularly among heavy smokers. In a study the annual mortality rate for women aged 40-44 who used oral contraceptives but who did not smoke was 7/100,000. Among smokers in this age group who used oral contraceptives the rate of fatal myocardial infarction was 59/100,000. Among heavy smokers the risk rose to 83/100,000. Among women in their 30s, the risk was lower, 16/100,000 among smokers, but rose significantly in those who were heavy smokers to 23/100,000. The safety of the pill must be considered separately for smokers and nonsmokers.

Keywords:

Oral Contraceptives, Side Effects
Heart Diseases
Mortality
Contraceptive Methods
Side Effects
Contraceptive Safety
Safety
Public Health
Health
Diseases
Population Dynamics
Demographic Factors
Population
Contraception
Family Planning
Treatment