Marie Stopes: New research reveals that the contraceptive pill is not associated with increased long-term risk of death

Friday, 12 March 2010 12:00 AM

According to research published on bmj.com today, the contraceptive pill is not associated with increased long-term risk of death. The cohort evidence from the Royal College of General Practitioners' Oral Contraception Study in fact suggests that women in the UK who have ever used the oral contraceptive pill are less likely to die from any cause, including all cancers and heart disease, compared with never users. Leading sexual health agency Marie Stopes International (MSI) issued the following statement:

"Since the contraceptive pill is the most popular method of contraception in the UK, we are very pleased that research concluding that it is not associated with increased long-term risk of death has been published.

Women regularly come to our centres for contraceptive advice, many of whom express concern about serious side-effects. A lot of their concerns are founded on complete myths, for example, there is no evidence that the contraceptive pill is not safe, or that it causes birth defects, or that long-term pill use can affect fertility. I sincerely hope that today's research results will reassure concerned women.

Some contraceptive pills may in fact have health benefits, decreasing the risk of some cancers (notably bowel, uterine body and ovarian cancers) or decreasing acne and bloating for example.

Oral contraceptive pills are an extremely reliable method of contraception, being more than 99% effective if taken correctly. There are a huge range of contraceptive pills available, women should visit their GP, family planning centre or a Marie Stopes International centre for further information and advice about finding a contraceptive pill to suit their individual needs."

All quotes are attributable to Jo Burgin, Medical Development Team, Marie Stopes International.

- Ends -

For media enquiries or to arrange an interview with a Marie Stopes International spokesperson, please contact:

Tony Kerridge: 0207 034 2365 / 07748 948037

Notes to editors:

Marie Stopes International (MSI) is a specialist organisation providing expert and confidential care and support to men and women of all ages in relation to their sexual and reproductive healthcare, including unplanned pregnancy advice and services and contraceptive provision. For further information visit www.mariestopes.org.uk

    Tags:

Disclaimer: Press releases published on this page are from key opinion formers who promote their organisation's activities by subscribing to a campaign site within politics.co.uk. politics.co.uk does not endorse, edit, or attempt to balance the opinions expressed on this page. The content of press releases are wholly the responsibility of the originating company or organisation.

Related stories

Ministers to push long-term contraception

DoH advocates long-acting reversible contraception

The government wants more women to choose long-term contraception, such as the hormonal implant or injection, as part of a bid to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

Boris reveals long-term unemployment plan

Boris Johnson unveils unemployment plan

A Boris Johnson mayoralty would see London's agencies pool their resources to create a single fund tackling the long-term unemployed, it has been announced.

Cleaners at increased asthma risk

Cleaners at increased asthma risk

Cleaners at increased asthma risk

Cabin crew at 'increased risk' of cancer

Politics.co.uk

Cabin crew at 'increased risk' of cancer

Hutchinson: A long-term investment

Politics.co.uk

Long-term jobless hits 14-year high

Long-term unemployed hits highest level since 1997

More people have been out of work for over a year than at any time since New Labour came to power in 1997, according to a thinktank.

Markit: Long-term inflation not likely

Politics.co.uk

Chris Williamson, lead economist at Markit, commented on the latest unemployment statistics:

New grant for nuclear research

Politics.co.uk

Scientists at Imperial College have been awarded the largest UK grant for nuclear energy research in 30 years.

Long-term sick policies 'need refocusing'

Preventing those slip out of work is as important, CIPD says

Efforts to get the long-term sick back into work are being hindered by neglected policies towards keeping those falling ill from leaving employment, a report says.

Labour to "lock in" long term reform

Politics.co.uk

A third term of Labour government will press ahead with a more radical, more controversial reform package, the party's election chief will say today.

Related Opinion Former Press Releases

Marie Stopes: Research shows new emergency contraceptive pill is effective in preventing pregnancies

Marie Stopes: Research shows new emergency contraceptive pill is effective in preventing pregnancies

Intensive-dose statin therapy associated with increased risk of diabetes

An analysis of data from previously published studies indicates that intensive-dose statin therapy is associated with an increased risk of new-onset diabetes compared with moderate-dose therapy, according to a study in the June 22/29 issue of JAMA.

Marie Stopes International: New emergency contraceptive pill launched in the UK

Marie Stopes: New emergency contraceptive pill launched in the UK - politics.co.uk

Special event coverage

ESRC logo

Festival of Social Sciences: Celebrating the Social Sciences

Evidence-based policy should not be a radical concept. It needs to be celebrated.

ESRC logo

Festival of Social Sciences: 2 languages: 2 brains, 2 minds, 2 cultures?

As part of the ESRC Festival of Social Sciences, the Deafness Cognition And Language Research Centre (DCAL) hosted an event exploring the powerful benefits of bilingualism in spoken and sign languages, for hearing and deaf people alike - benefits that reach hearing and deaf people alike.

Opinion Former Events

NHF: Leaders’ Forum and Exhibition 2012

This flagship event is a forum for chief executives and chairs of the housing sector to network with each other and learn from a range of high-profile and inspirational speakers from media, political and housing backgrounds. It takes place in Park Plaza Victoria, London.

TACT: Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): how to support affected children

Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an incurable lifelong condition arising from brain damage caused by maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy. The effects may include physical, mental, behavioural and learning disabilities. However, if diagnosed, the right strategies can transform the lives of those affected. This new Guardian Social Care Network half-day seminar in association with TACT Fostering and Adoption will explain the condition and show what can be done to help.

bpas: Abortion in the US: Popularity, Politics and Practice

We often hear of the ‘Americanisation’ of abortion politics in the UK, but unpicking the substantive threats to women’s reproductive rights in the US can be a challenge. The 2012 bpas public lecture will explore the current state of abortion politics in the US and, at a time when abortion appears increasingly politicised in the UK, reflect on what lessons can be drawn by those keen to protect women’s reproductive autonomy elsewhere.

Cogent SSC: UK Nuclear Skills Awards - 22nd March 2012

The UK Nuclear Awards is steadily becoming an anticipated annual event in the Nuclear calendar. The National Skills Academy for Nuclear and Cogent Sector Skills Council are preparing to hold their fourth collaborative Skills Awards Evening for the industry.

BSIA: Information Destruction Exhibition and Conference

This one-day event is targeted at professionals operating in the information destruction industry, and aims at keeping delegates updated on recent developments in their sector, providing an opportunity to network with fellow professionals, whilst offering access to an informative exhibition and a comprehensive conference programme.

Take the Gold Challenge for St Dunstan's

We provide lifelong support for blind and visually impaired ex-Service men and women. You can help give more blind heroes an independent future by taking the Gold Challenge

Newsletter sign up

By signing-up you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy.

Unsubscribe