Nonsmoker 1 in 63,000 Smoker 1 in 16,000 Studies in the late 1960s and early 1970s showed that 50 mg estrogen pills did increase the risk from thromboembolic disease. Modern studies have shown that the 30 mg estrogen pills in use today have little to no effect on thromboembolic problems. In fact, the low dose estrogen may have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system and lipids. There has been some concern about OCs and the risk of breast cancer. The largest and best designed studies and meta-analysis on this subject show there is probably no overall increase in risk.
Debate is ongoing but the best evidence to date looks promising.
The Norplant System is a new implantable birth control method. Its 6 Silastic capsules release progestins continuously over a 5 year period. There is no age of discontinuation and it has no estrogen dependant side effects. It commonly causes irregular menses for up to a year. It of course requires a minor surgical procedure.