Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA. j-kiley@md.northwestern.edu
Millions of women use birth control pills for contraceptive and noncontraceptive reasons. Although there have been reports of rare adverse events, birth control pills do offer well-documented health benefits, including a decrease in the risk of ovarian and endometrial carcinoma. In addition, manufacturers continue to modify birth control pills to reduce side effects and medical risks.