Oral contraceptives. Assessment of benefits.

Use of oral contraceptives has been shown to reduce the risk of gynecologic conditions that cause significant mortality, including ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer and ectopic pregnancy. Additionally, its use has been linked to quality-of-life issues, such as the prevention of pelvic inflammatory disease, benign breast disease and functional ovarian cysts, as well as to dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome and iron deficiency anemia. Such information should be conveyed to women of reproductive age during their contraceptive counseling session.