One of the most common questions women have about the pill is whether it is safe for long-term use
One of the most common questions that women ask about the pill is whether it is safe to use for more than a decade.
Despite “well-rehearsed mythologies” long-term use is safe, says Dr Paddy Moore, a paediatric and adolescent gynaecologist and head of contraceptive and abortion services at The Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne.
While the risk of breast cancer is 24% higher while taking the pill, oral contraceptives protect against ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer and potentially bowel cancer.
Also, “we can say, very reassuringly, that it doesn’t affect your fertility rates”, she says.
In this video, Dr Moore speaks to these points:
– Are there any problems with staying on OCP for long periods, say 10+ years?
– What does research show regarding the risk of breast cancer and other potential long-term problems of being on the OCP?
– Are there any benefits of being on the pill?
– With women leaving reproduction to a later age, does the long-term use of the OCP decrease their fertility?
