The "pill", promiscuity, and venereal disease.

Abstract

The percentage of gonorrhea cases in the total clinic population was compared with that of the patients taking oral contraceptives for the years 1965-1968. Information on the social status of the oral contraceptive users (using the Registrar Generals criterion of social status) and feelings and behavior regarding extramarital sexual relations was obtained through interview. The incidence of gonorrhea in the total clinic population increased 6% from 1965 to the first 6 months of 1968; the incidence of gonorrhea in oral contraceptive users increased 15%. In comparing the 80 oral contraceptive users in 1965 with the 90 users in 1968 there was an increase in infection rates for Social Classes 1 2 and 3. The percentage of women who had extramarital intercourse since taking the pill was 73% for Classes 1 and 2 70% of Class 3 and 62% of Classes 4 and 5. Women who might have done otherwise if not taking the pill were 53% for Classes 1 and 2 64% for Class 3 and 25% for Classes 4 and 5. From case histories it appears that married women develop promiscuity gradually. The decreased use of the condom is an important factor in the increased incidence of gonorrhea.