History

The U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration) first approved oral contraception in 1960, and it started to become popular near the end of the 1960s, according to "The Power of the Pill: Oral Contraceptives and Women's Career and Marriage Decisions" by Goldin and Katz. (See reference 1) More predictability over pregnancy became a major advantage in the working lives of women.

Types

The available types of oral contraception have changed over the years. Second and third generation progestins are both still in use and have different advantages and risks, according to a 1996 BMJ study. (See reference 2)

Lifestyle Advantages

Birth control pills fit in a purse and don't require unwieldy devices. It's also easy to discontinue use when planning a pregnancy, enabling women to control their reproductive cycles.

Benefits

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (see reference 3), oral contraception can prevent or reduce conditions such as irregular menstrual periods, acne, painful ovulation, and even cancer or cysts.

Effectiveness

The American Academy of Family Physicians (see reference 3) reports an annual efficacy rate of 99.9% with perfect compliance, vs. 95.0% with average compliance. Oral contraception works very well for women who remember to take it!

Warning

Always visit a doctor before starting any medication. A primary care provider can help to prevent serious side effects.

Source:

Goldin & Katz, Harvard / National Bureau of Economic Research: The Power of the Pill: Oral Contraceptives and Women's Career and Marriage Decisions

BMJ, 1996: Third generation oral contraceptives and risk of myocardial infarction: an international case-control study

American Academy of Family Physicians, 1999: Update on Oral Contraceptive Pills