To some of us it may seem that the contraceptive pill has always promised too much. It’s chief claim, “99 per cent effective in preventing pregnancy when taken as directed”, depends on reading all the fine print, knowing all your contra-indications and never missing a day. But how many women do all that? Even granted that it prevents pregnancy, many women have been disillusioned by side effects ranging from weight gain to cancer risks, and have given up taking the pill.

However, the pill remains the chief method of birth control for younger women. It’s a very competitive market. So along came a new variety from drug giant Bayer with the catchy name of Yaz, marketed on television as a lifestyle drug for the 20-somethings, with promises to improve a woman’s mood and clear up acne -- oh, and prevent pregnancy 99 per cent of the time (if taken as directed).… click here to read whole article and make comments