There are many myths and misconceptions about birth control since its approval for public use in the early 1960s. Although there are some negative side effects, most experts believe it is completely safe for a woman to continue to take the pill until she reaches menopause.

The Pill and Fertility

It once was believed that the longer a woman remained on the pill, the less able she would be to conceive once she ceased taking it; however, according to Dr. Sandhya Pruthi, an internist at the Mayo Clinic, this is false.

Risk of Cancer

Pruthi also says that although there some evidence supports the belief that prolonged use of birth control can increase the risk of certain cancers, evidence also shows that birth control actually can decrease the risk of other types of cancers, including ovarian and endometrial.

Birth Control and Menopause

According to Columbia University, prolonged use of oral birth control will "have no adverse effect on future fertility," and it will not defer menopause or "hasten menopause's onset."

Heart Diseas and Stroke

Columbia Health Services also ensures that prolonged use of oral contraceptives will not increase the risk of heart attack or stroke in healthy female non-smokers. "In most women, combined oral contraceptives do not have a significant impact on the coagulation system," Columbia said. "There is an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (blood clot) among OC users, usually because of genetics."

Other Risks

Women who smoke or have an increased risk of heart disease are advised against using the pill, especially after age 35. Prolonged use of the pill under these conditions could be harmful--and these risks increase with age.

Source:

Mayo Clinic Women's Health

Long-term effects of bith control pills