‘The Pill’- A Brief History
The first oral contraceptive pill launched in the USA was in 1960 and by1961 there were one million American women using it, confident that the product was safe as no warnings were given on the packaging of any possible side effects. Only the original chemical company offered a light caution that it may cause women to experience mental depression.
In the first years after its release, two books were published by professionals telling of the side effects of The Pill – “Side Effects of Drugs” by L. Mayler M.D. and “Disease of Medical Progress” edited by R.H. Moser, M.D. and 12 medical experts who all warned of the dangers and side effects that were listed to include – acne -breakthrough bleeding in mid menstrual cycle- brown pigmentation of the skin- cancer of the breast-cancer of the cervix-headache-hot flushes-nausea –jaundice-pulmonary embolism- thrombosis- uterine fibroids -vaginitis and weight gain.
There were also disturbing cases of masculinization of external genitalia in female babies born to mothers previously on The Pill and hair growth later appearing on faces of female children. Three years after the first release of the drug, the American Medical Association in their Journal of 16th March of 1963 states of The Pill …
“Until more evidence is available, careful consideration should be given to indications for use in patients with uterine fibromyomas, mammary and genital carcinoma, diabetes and liver damage. Patients taking this medication should be observed for signs of oedema.The possible harmful effects of prolonged use on the organs of the body, particularly pituitary, ovaries and uterus is unknown. Observations over a long period are needed before this question can be answered with certainty.”
Now, nearly fifty years later, in spite of all the early warnings over ten million American women and 100,000,000 women worldwide, now regularly take the product known as ‘The Pill’. In spite of efforts by the pharmaceutical companies to get a balanced mix of the hormones oestrogen , progesterone and testosterone the health risks continue. There have been literally millions of posts regarding the various negative side effects that have appeared on the internet.
Breast cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer and thrombosis continue as a severe health menace to women in the community. But a larger problem threatens with mental depression increasing at an alarming rate amongst women in western countries.
What can be done to ease the problem in our communities? It would seem that to ban the use of the contraceptive pill by immature girls would be a good move to ensure their future health as they are very susceptible to the chemical disturbances involved.
Adults obviously must make their choices in protecting the physical and mental health of women, by finding recourse to other natural contraceptive measures if they wish to avoid parenthood.
We all should take stock of the serious nature of this basic problem that has arisen from unbalanced sexual behavior and a disregard of the consequences.
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