| Abstract: | Some women who use the pill are at a high risk of unplanned pregnancy. Health practitioners must evaluate drug medication data, gastrointestinal disturbances, and determine a patient's ability to use the pill effectively to identify those at high risk. Of the many types of contraceptives, the pill still comes the closest to being the most effective contraceptive. Nevertheless, the expected failure rate is lower than actual user rate due to a variety of reasons, such as forgetfulness in taking the tablets and temporary malabsorption problems. Since combined preparations of the pill such as the triphasic pill effect the hypothalamic-pituitary region, the endometrium, and the cervical mucosa, one would expect a high level of protection. Evidence indicates, however, that the triphasic pill is comparatively less effective than the fixed dose oral contraceptives. Additionally, studies reveal that certain women should not use oral contraceptives (e.g. women who smoke) because of increased risk to their health. Several benefits have been identified, however, in those women who are not considered high risk, such as a reduction in dysmenorrhea and irregular menstrual bleeding. Unfortunately, little is known on how to detect noncompliant users or how to motivate them to use the pill effectively. Yet research into alternative delivery routes, such as dermal patches and implants, has not reached the commercial level. In Australia, 25% of women of reproductive age choose oral contraceptives. |
