Pill Turns 50: Birth-Control Pills Are Commonplace in Medicine Cabinets, but Are They Safe?

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After a half-century of research and refinement, many doctors agree that the birth-control pill -- whatever its sociological ramifications -- is safer than its predecessors and helps stave off ovarian cancer and regulate menstrual cycles. Other positive side effects include reducing the risk of ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancies and fibrocystic breast disease.

As with any medication, negative side effects can occur. The pill can cause weight gain and slightly increase chances of blood clots. But some users have experienced more serious consequences. Lisa (a pseudonym provided at her request) began taking birth-control pills 10 years ago as a contraceptive and to prevent a recurrence of ovarian cysts. "I wondered if it was healthy to be on it so long," she recalls.

Her doctors assured her the pill's benefits outweighed potential complications, but …