Effect of Oral Contraceptives and IUDs on Cervical Carcinogenesis

In the late 1950s, two revolutionary developments took place in the field of contraception: the reintroduction of IUDs and the development of oral contraceptives (OCs). OCs first became available for general clinical use in the U.S.A. in 1960 and were rapidly adopted in other countries, being the most popular reversible method of contraception in the world today. It is estimated that up to 40% of women between 15 and 44 years of age in Western Europe and in the U.S.A. use the pill. Two decades after the development of the IUD some 50 to 60 million devices have been in use throughout the world, mostly in China and other developing countries. However, the initial enthusiasm for both contraceptive methods has been tempered by increasing reports of complications. Wide-scale and long-term usage of OCs and IUDs represents a potential health problem in that large numbers of healthy young women are exposed to the effects of these drugs and devices. Particular concern exists between the use of steroid contraceptives or IUDs and an increased risk of developing cancer of the cervix.