Cytologic changes following the use of oral contraceptives.

Abnormal cytologic findings in gynecologic smears were more common among patients using oral contraceptives than among control patients. Cytologic examination should be routinely performed before oral contraceptives are prescribed. The exfoliation of endometrial cells was essentially the same between control and oral contraceptive patients. No evidence of excessive stimulation of epithelial element in endometrium accompanied the continued use of hormonal contraceptives. In general, the cytohormonal effect associated with oral contraceptives showed a depressed superficial cell count in the vaginal smears. Teenagers using oral contraceptives constituted 2 to 3% of the surveyed group. Long-term effects of antiovulatory drugs in young females are yet to be observed.