In 1961, the Berlin-based company Schering AG brought out the first birth control pill. Under the name “Anovlar” she was sold as a “means of addressing menstrual problems”, said the contraceptive effect only in a leaflet from the side effects. For moral reasons, the manufacturer advised physicians first prescribe Anovlar only married women with at least two children. But already in 1966 in West Germany, almost everyone knew what was meant by the “pill, and only four years later, the sales amounted to more than 27 million packages.
At the same time, the birth rate had after almost by half. Today only one manufacturer makes such a product around one billion euros in sales a year. Again and again, however, it is also criticism, even of death is mentioned.
Adverse effects of the Pill
In addition to its contraceptive effect of the contraceptive is characterized by more positive qualities. It will therefore also for acne, painful or heavy menstrual bleeding occurring benign uterine tumors, endometriosis, and hypertrichosis (excessive body hair) are used. The benefits but also face undesirable side effects: nausea, sexual pain, and weight gain are among the known consequences. The weight gain is usually just a water retention by estrogen, which disappears with discontinuation of the pill again. However, they can also attract a feeling of tension in the breasts, and swelling of fingers or legs after him.
This is perceived by the patient is often unpleasant. A clear increase in weight by the formation of new fat cells has not been demonstrated. Only in rare cases, an increase in appetite was noted, but this was usually reduced to a product change. Also rare, but also more serious, are hypertension, abnormal liver function and thrombosis, as side effects. Women with relevant medical history, such as deep vein thrombosis, diabetes mellitus (type 1) or liver disease is by taking the contraceptive pill discouraged.
Adaptation phase
Will you start taking the pill, should be counted to six months, with an adjustment period of three. During this time, not only the above side effects may occur, but diarrhea or nausea. In migraine attacks during menstruation should be discussed with the doctor about an alternative contraceptive.
Controversy
Whether cancer when taken regularly, the risk of certain cancers (cervical, breast and liver cancer), really rise, has so far proved inconclusive. Although some studies seem to confirm this, to bring others but the contrary. The World Health Organization as well as international database surveys assume that hormonal contraceptives (third generation, available since the late 1990s) present a danger. Individual deaths or permanent damage, such as the disability of a 16-year-old Swiss woman could still be resolved is not unique. The manufacturers assign any blame from himself, a rebuttal is to be provided only with difficulty.
