Oral Contraceptive Pills:Benefits Beyond Contraception

Amongst the events that changed the history of the world was the landmark discovery in 1956 by Rock, Garcia and Pincus that fertility control in women can be achieved by suppressing ovulation by a combination of progestational and estrogenic agents. Over the decades, considerable changes have occurred in the formulation of the combined oral contraceptive pill (COCs) to its latest low-dose version today. While the primary indication for COCs use is prevention of pregnancy, the healthcare provider must counsel women about the non-contraceptive benefits when contraception is discussed and prescribed.