Oral Contraceptives
Because oral contraceptives are used by many women, a lot of recent research has been conducted to make sure that there is readily available information for women in their childbearing age.
There were two recent and separate clinical studies conducted that were able to link the use of birth control pills to increased risk of cervical cancer to heart disease. But didn't old studies inform us that oral contraceptives (OC) pills reduce the risk these diseases? Let's figure out what these recent studies are all about.
The first study was made by researchers at Ghent University in Belgium which was released in November 2007. This study found out that there is an association between the use of birth control pills and the increase in occurrence of 'atherosclerosis plaques in the carotid'. This build up of clots in the artery can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack. The study was made on 1,301 women with ages ranging from 35-55 years old who had been using oral contraceptives for about 13 years. Over time, it was found out that plaques did develop and enlarged over time, enough to restrict and block the blood flow within the arteries.
However, according to the results, there was only a very small likelihood of the risk of atherosclerosis and heart problems in women who are using OCs. In fact, both users and non-users shared a somewhat similar risk for increased incidence of plaque buildup.
The second study gathered their data from 24 countries around the world. This study examined women who took oral contraceptives and the risk of developing cervical cancer. The rates of developing cervical cancer were compared in women who had never used birth control pills and those who are taking combined oral contraceptives.
Result show that for women who had used other birth control options, the risk of developing cervical cancer is 3.8 per 1,000 women and 4 per 1,000 for those women who had been taking them for over 5 years. According to some experts, this new birth control pill information shows no significant increase.
The studies demonstrated only very little significant risk which are, according to some experts, are not serious health events and doesn't necessarily translate to higher risk later in life.
The pills used in the studies are both old and new pills that are currently available in the market. So women who are opt for using the pill as a contraceptive method should weigh the risks with the benefits. Though there is only a very little significant risk in using the pill, it should not be taken for granted. Women should consult their primary health care provider if they prefer to use the pills.
Moreover, women with existing heart diseases and vascular diseases and those who have a family history of obesity, hypertension, cancer of any kind, and stroke should be cautious while taking the pill. Also, those who have high levels of stress and are smokers should also consult their physician first if oral contraceptives are really for them or if they should go for other birth control methods.