Oral contraceptives: What you need to know about the latest formulations new strategies for oral contraceptives include shortening or eliminating the hormone-free interval, using new progestin and estrogen comb., and implementing new delivery syst. Potential advt. in efficacy, cycle control, and improvement of menstrual symptoms must be balanced aganist adverse effects, cost, and patients' wishes

A 27-year-old woman, MB, comes to your clinic to discuss starting to use birth control pills. She reports heavy periods and mild acne, but is otherwise healthy. She has seen ads in magazines for a new brand of pill and asks you how this new pill differs from older formulations. She asks whether there are benefits that might warrant a higher copay at the pharmacy and what risks are associated with the new pill. Are you prepared to answer her questions?