From Planned Parenthood:

“The pill is one of the most effective reversible methods of birth control. Taking the pill is simple, safe, and convenient. Many women who take the pill have fewer menstrual cramps and lighter periods. The pill also offers some protection against pelvic inflammatory disease, which often leads to infertility when left untreated.”

From the Food and Drug Administration (FDA):

“American women were quick to accept the pill. Within two years, approximately 1.2 million women were using it, within five years, 5 million, and by 1973, about 10 million. In the early '80s, following reports of possible harmful side effects, use of the pill dropped to 8.4 million. Today, however, with safer, low-dose versions on the market, use is back up. Approximately 10.7 million American women now use the pill. It is the most popular method of non-surgical contraception. The pill has been found to help prevent two major types of cancer--cancer of the ovaries and cancer of the endometrium (the lining of the uterus). ”

 

Hormone Birth Control (HBC):

HBC uses delivery of hormones (progesterone and/or estrogen) to prevent a woman from ovulating. It is credited as being the most effective non-surgical birth control aside from abstinence. Profits, just for Johnson and Johnson, were nearly $1.1 billion for HBC products in 2005.

Studies of HBC efficacy and side effects are available here.

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