In their zeal for simplicity the media frequently misinterpret comples scientific findings and thereby misinform the public. This occurred when the general press reporting on a medical journal article focused on a link between the oral contraceptive pill and infertility. The journal article in fact had concluded that the pill is associated with increased risks of lower genital tract infection by Chlamydia trachomatis and also speculated that the pill might not protect against all forms of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) especially the more indolent syndrome associated with chlamydia. The authors had raised the possibility--in the articles final paragraph--of infertility as a possible sequela of chlamydial PID. No evidence was presented in the article--or has been published elsewhere--linking oral contraceptives and infertility. Qualification of the pills protective effect against all causes of salpingitis should not be misconstrued as evidence of a harmful effect. Because of the importance of this issue however further research should be conducted expeditiously. And in the case of women who run a higher risk of sexually transmitted diseases the use of barrier methods might be encouraged or if oral contraceptives are chosen these women and their doctors should be on the alert for symptoms of lower genital tract chlamydial infection; and the physicians should prescribe antibiotics effective against chlamydia if symptoms of cervicitis or salpingitis occur.