Synopses & Reviews
The sixth edition of this popular handbook is still the only book to give comprehensive information - with no fudging on the unwanted side effects - about the Pill and related hormonal methods of contraception. The author, an experienced prescriber and trusted medical author, writes in a clear and accessible way. He believes strongly in women's autonomy: 'the user is always the chooser'. During the 40 years since the Pill was first marketed, much more money has been spent researching its safety than was spent in developing it through the 1950's. Although it has repeatedly been established as one of the least harmful medicines ever formulated, there are some risks, and a number of 'Pill scares' have been reported in the media. Following, each of these many women give up on the Pill, not always finding a satisfactory alternative. Professor Guillebaud gives a balanced explanation of the risks, benefits and side effects of the Pill. The book is based on the latest and best research evidence available. But when the evidence is not yet available, or is conflicting, the author helps the reader decide what's personally best. This book offers trustworthy guidance for women on the Pill as well as women who are still deciding which method of contraception to use.
Review
"This can servce as an excellent resource for all those interested in a comprehensive yet understandable reference on the pill and other forms of hormonal contraception. It is a good addition to the available resources for clinicians who are not specialists in family planning and reproductive health."--Doody's
Synopsis
Used by over 200 million women since the 1960s, the Pill is one of the most commonly prescribed medicines--and has repeatedly been established as one of the least harmful ever formulated. However, there are some risks, and a number of "Pill Scares" have been reported in the media--often causing women to give up the Pill without finding a satisfactory alternative.
More choices are now available than ever to users of hormonal contraception, and it can be difficult for doctors or family planning workers to find the time for detailed discussion with existing or new users.
Women of all ages, whether they are existing users of or new to hormonal contraception, will find realistic, practical, and trustworthy guidance in this book to help them to make their own informed decisions. It will also be indispensable to health professionals as a concise, balanced overview. Thise user-friendly book contains extensive and unbiases advice and information on the Pill, along with other hormonal alternatives such as implants, injections, and patches.
About the Author
John Guillebaud is Emeritus Professor of Family Planning and Reproductive Health, University College London. Until 2003 he was the Medical Director of the Margaret Pyke Centre for Family Planning and is currently a vasectomy surgeon at the Churchill Hospital, Oxford. He acts as a consultant to the World Health Organization (WHO) and other national and international bodies in the reproductive health field. He originated the Environment Time Capsule Project at www.ecotimecapsule.com, is Trustee of TASKwh (Towards African Solutions through Knowledge for Women's Health), Co-Chair of www.populationandsustainability.org, and Chair of Planet 21 (www.peopleandplanet.net (http://www.peopleandplanet.net)). Dr Anne MacGregor works in sexual and reproductive healthcare at St Bartholomew's Hospital and is an Instructing Doctor and CRQ Vice Convener for the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. She is also Clinical Research Director at the City of London Migraine Clinic, an independent medical charity, and Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer at the Research Centre for Neuroscience within the Institute of Cell and Molecular Science, Queen Mary's School of Medicine and Dentistry, London.