The Pill: A Historical Overview, 1961–2011

In 1960 the first contraceptive “Pill” was approved by the U.S. FDA revolutionizing society. From a medical perspective there were great debates over the risks and benefits to healthy women taking such a drug over long periods of time. Over the last 50 years oral contraceptives have been refined, reducing the number of side effects, and the benefits beyond pregnancy prevention have become more apparent. Since its inception, chemical contraception has gone beyond the ‘pill’ to include implantable devices and a transdermal patch. A brief history on the discovery of oral contraceptives and the science behind hormonal contraceptives will be presented.  Safety concerns that were initially observed and the modifications used to reduce them along with how technology has taken contraception beyond the pill will also be illuminated.