About the birth control pill
The birth control pill yesterday and today
The first birth control pills came onto the market more than 40 years ago. Since then, there have been many changes in their composition, especially in recent years. Today's contraceptive pills have hardly anything in common with their forerunners dating from the year 1960. While the first contraceptive pills were still highly potent hormone cocktails with all the associated side effects, modern preparations contain accurately "made-to-measure" doses.
The range of hormones used has also been constantly extended. Some of the hormones used today have not only the contraceptive properties for which they are approved, but also additional positive effects which may be welcome for example for patients with skin problems or menstrual cycle related mood swings.
At present the most widely prescribed preparations are the monophasic micropills which contain the two hormones estrogen and progestin. However, the dosage of these hormones is much lower than in older preparations - but without however reducing the reliability of contraception.
For women who are not overweight, do not smoke and also have no other risk factors, a modern lowdose micropill will usually be the contraceptive method of choice from puberty up to the menopause. Your gynaecologist will be pleased to advise you.
