Putting risk in perspective: An evidence-based approach to selected risks associated with the use of oral contraception

Although use of oral contraceptives is an effective way to prevent unintend ed pregnancy, concerns exist about associated adverse health outcomes. The concept of risk and different approaches to describing risk are discussed, and studies of health risks associated with specific exposures are used to illustrate the differences between relative and absolute risk. Evidence abo ut health risks associated with use of oral contraceptives is presented wit hin the context of population-based risk estimates. (C) 2001 by the America n College of Nurse-Midwives.