TDNet Discover

Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) provide reliable contraception for most women but may also have other indications for their usage. Though highly effective in pregnancy prevention, 30% of women face barriers when attempting to obtain a prescription for OCPs. Others remain reluctant to use OCPs, even for non-contraceptive benefits, primarily due to unawareness and misconceptions. The purpose of this research was to identify the non-contraceptive indications of OCPs in order to educate providers and the public with the hopes of eliminating the negative stigma associated with OCP use. This research is a qualitative, systematic literature review of the data from the highest levels of evidence in other systematic reviews and meta-analyses published within the last 10 years. Databases searched in the literature search included PubMed and Google Scholar. Search terms included “oral contraceptives,” “indications,” “non-contraceptive,” “polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS),” “endometriosis,” “acne,” “dysmenorrhea,” “cancer,” “cancer prevention,” and “ligament injury.” Eleven peer-reviewed articles were selected for analysis after three independent researchers reviewed results and applied the inclusion criteria. Results of the analysis revealed several non-contraceptive therapeutic indications of OCPs, including the reduction of primary and secondary dysmenorrhea, endometriosis-related pelvic pain and dyspareunia, and the androgenic manifestations associated with PCOS and acne. Continually, OCPs are indicated for the regulation of menses in patients with abnormal uterine bleeding, or irregular bleeding that occurs in the absence of pelvic pathology usually occurring during the perimenopause phase of life. OCPs also provide a protective effect against ligamentous injuries and ovarian, endometrial, and colorectal cancers. In conclusion, this research identifies that there are many therapeutic indications for the usage of OCPs and patients and their families remain unaware of these non-contraceptive benefits. Increased provider v education on these additional uses of OCPs can aid in a greater acceptance of these medications among patients, their families, and the public. This in turn can provide first-line therapy options for these diseases while limiting adverse effects.