Title: Pills that promise more than just birth control: side benefits range from clearer skin to weight loss.

POPLINE Document Number: 181565

Author(s):

Bouchez C

Source citation:

HealthDay News, 2003 Jun 20;:[5] p..

Abstract:

While preventing pregnancy is still the number one reason why some 18 million American women request a birth control pill prescription each year, manufacturers are eager to point out myriad other benefits in the approximately 40 pills on the market today. Those benefits include the ability to control heavy bleeding and clotting, reduce menstrual cramping, resolve some symptoms of PMS, decrease menstrual-related breast pain, and even offer a level of protection from certain serious reproductive diseases, including ovarian and uterine cancer. While all these bonuses are available no matter which oral contraceptive you choose, the latest buzz concerns "problem-specific" pill formulations -- certain oral contraceptives that purport to accomplish what others cannot. (excerpt)

Keywords:

United States
Oral Contraceptives
Oral Contraceptives, Side Effects
Developed Countries
North America
Americas
Contraceptive Methods
Contraception
Family Planning
Contraceptive Safety
Safety
Public Health
Health