Stop the pill. More women are taking the contraceptive pill today then ever before. Women are also continuing on the pill up to menopause because of the positive effects on bone density and the increased risk of medical complications in a pregnancy after the age of 40. With the advent of low dose pills there are fewer side serious effects to worry about. However, certain side effects can lead to discontinuation.
Patients are reluctant to talk about another major side effect, sexual problems.
Dr. Stephanie Sanders at Indiana University has conducted a trial to see just how common sexual side effects are and if women quit the pill because of them. Decreased sexual arousability and a decrease in the frequency of sexual intercourse and sexual thoughts played a prominent role in the decision to discontinue OC's. The authors concluded that physicians need to prepare women for the possible emotional and sexual side effects of OC's and continue the discussion during their use. Hormone Replacement Therapy Losing Support. The new study published in The Archives of Internal Medicine has prompted the American Heart Association to reevaluate the HRT recommendations.