[A critical evaluation of hormonal contraceptives]

A critical evaluation of hormonal contraceptives is presented. The pills have been used for more than 100 million women all over the world. During the 25 years of their commercialization, there has been an improvement in their composition, today being considered almost perfect. The side effects can be summarized in 3 groups: endocrine-sexual such as vomiting, headaches, menstrual irregularity; systemic such as thromboembolism, sodium retention, hypertension; and general such as irritability and sexual dysfunction. The pills have some protective effects in the endometrium against cancer, and also against pelvic inflammations. They also can be used to treat uterine bleeding and endometriosis.