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When the FDA approved the Pill for marketing in 1960, it changed America forever. The pill was released without adequate testing. Within two years, 1.2 Americans were using it and by 1973 that number had risen to 10 million. In 1969 the book "The Doctors Case against the Pill" by Barbara Seaman showed people the dangers. By the end of the 70's, the FDA required physicians and pharmacists to hand out sheets on possible negative effect and complications (Kalb 20-36).
The pills contain two hormones, estrogen and progestin. They prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation and by making the lining of the uterus thinner. During your period, the low estrogen level normally indirectly triggers your pituitary gland to send out follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) a hormone that starts egg development. Among typical couples who initiate use of combined pills about 5% will experience an accidental pregnancy in the first year (Leone 24-27). This is because sometimes pills are not used correctly. If pills are used consistently and correctly, just one in 1,000 women will become pregnant ("Oral Contraceptives"). A second form of contraception should be used for the first seven days of your first pack of pills.
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Some of the advantages of the pill are that they decrease a woman's risk for cancer of the ovaries and cancer of the lining of the uterus. The pills also lower the risk of developing benign breast masses and ovarian cysts. They decrease menstrual cramping and pain. The combined pills reduce menstrual blood loss and the risk for anemia. Monthly periods are also more regular when on the pill. Acne often improves in women taking combined birth control pills. One pill, Tricyclen, is formally approved for the treatment of acne ("Oral Contraceptives"). Many women enjoy sex more when taking birth control pills because they know they are less likely to get pregnant. Some clinicians will even provide 3 to 6 months of pills without a pelvic exam.
There are also many disadvantages to taking these monthly pills. They do not protect you from HIV or other infections. You have to remember to take one pill every day, which can be hard for some women to do. Nausea and/or spotting are two problems women may have the first month on pills.