Toward optimal health: the experts discuss oral contraception.

In this issue of the Journal of Womens Health and Gender-Based Medicine Jodi Godfrey Meisler M.S. R.D. interviewed two well-regarded specialists to shed some light on the efficacy of birth control pills in preventing unintended pregnancy and to discuss the use of oral contraceptives (OCs) in medical practice. The concerned specialists were Dr. Lee P. Shulman professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Molecular Genetics at the University of Illinois and Dr. Tara Allmen assistant clinical professor of gynecology at the Columbia Presbyterian Center for Menopause Hormonal Disorders and Womens Health in New York City. During the interview Meisler queried on how OCs have evolved since their introduction in 1960 the risks and benefits and how it can impact on the satisfaction compliance and the overall health of women of childbearing age. Issues concerning drug interaction noncontraceptive benefits conferred by OCs fear of weight gain and the health risk or benefit in stopping and restarting use of OCs are tackled.