Which is the best birth control medication, based on factors such as convenience, cost, risk of breast cancer, decreased risk of ovarian cancer, and effectiveness?

Briefly describe a specific question, or set of related questions, about a health care test or treatment that this program should consider.: Which is the best birth control medication, based on factors such as convenience, cost, risk of breast cancer, decreased risk of ovarian cancer, and effectiveness?
Does your question include a comparison of different health care approaches? (If no, your topic will still be considered.): yes
If yes, explain the specific technologies, devices, drugs, or interventions you would like to see compared:: Various types of birth control medication
What patients or group(s) of patients does your question apply to? (Please include specific details such as age range, gender, coexisting diagnoses, and indications for therapy.): Women in their childbearing years, all age ranges, all race/ethnicities
Are there subgroups of patients that your question might apply to? (For example, an ethnic group, stage or severity of a disease.): This would be applicable to all women.
Describe the health-related benefits you are interested in. (For example, improvements in patient symptoms or problems from treatment or diagnosis.): Increased health awareness
Describe any health-related risks, side effects, or harms that you are concerned about.: None

Does your question include a health care drug, intervention, device, or technology available (or likely to be available) in the U.S.?

yes

Which priority area(s) and population(s) does this topic apply to? (check all that apply)

EHC Priority Conditions (updated in 2008)

AHRQ Priority Populations

Describe why this topic is important.: This topic is in an area where there is much information and a single research review to weigh all of the information would be helpful.
What specifically motivated you to ask this question? (For example, you are developing a clinical guideline, working with a policy with large uncertainty about the appropriate approach, costly intervention, new research you have read, items in the media you may have seen, a clinical practice dilemma you know of, etc.): There is often conflicting messages in the media and for women, it would be nice to have a reliable resource give a review of the evidence.
Does your question represent uncertainty for clinicians and/or policy-makers? (For example, variations in clinical care, controversy in what constitutes appropriate clinical care, or a policy decision.): no
If yes, please explain:

How will an answer to your research question be used or help inform decisions for you or your group?: The information presented will help women weigh the appropriate medication when they decide to use birth control. I believe that the number of women taking birth control at some point in their lives is a fairly large number so some longitudinal research on the "best" treatments would be useful.
Describe the timeframe in which an answer to your question is needed.
Describe any health disparities, inequities, or impact on vulnerable populations your question applies to.

Other Information About You: (optional)

Please choose a description that best describes your role or perspective: (you may select more than one category if appropriate): The information presented will help women weigh the appropriate medication when they decide to use birth control. I believe that the number of women taking birth control at some point in their lives is a fairly large number so some longitudinal research on the "best" treatments would be useful.

Are you making a suggestion as an individual or on behalf of an organization?: Individual

Effective Health Care Program