While the topic of contraception and birth control can spark many heated debates, there’s no denying that a lot of women take up the pill for more reasons than one. These benefits are also backed up by science and medical experts.
Before you dismiss the prospect of taking birth control, here are some benefits many women enjoy thanks to a small pill they need only remember to take once everyday.
Preventing Pregnancy
This is pretty obvious. One of the many reasons women take birth control is straightforward family planning. Whether it’s to put off having children until they’re ready, or being happy with the number of children they already have, the pill remains one of the most reliable forms of contraception.
Birth control pills are said to be 91-99% effective, which isn’t bad at all. Those who may become pregnant while on the pill most often do not make use of it entirely. They may forget to take the pill now and then, take the wrong kind not suited for their system or not wait long enough for the pill to start working.
Manages Your Menstrual Cycle And Woes
Almost every woman will know how much of a pain it is to wake up to red stains in your underwear. This means you’ve got a heavy flow or Aunt Flo came early this month. There’s nothing like the anxiety you get from having to check your backside in the mirror several times to make sure you haven’t bled through your pants.
Enter the birth control pill. When used correctly, this helps regulate your period almost on the dot. No more surprises as you’ll be able to know the exact day that your period comes. This especially comes as an absolute savior to girls who have extremely irregular periods: bleeding for weeks at a time and then going months without a speck of blood.
Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT andAnnette McDermott say that “[birth control pills], in turn, is said to reduce blood flow and cramping. The pills also suppress ovulation, which prevents any related cramping.”
You’ll also be glad to know that the pill helps with menstrual cramps, the heaviness of flow and migraines. Because the pill basically tricks your body into thinking it’s pregnant, so it doesn’t release a new egg anymore, your uterus also doesn’t release the chemicals that trigger cramps.
Improves Your Skin and Body Hair Condition
Many women who turn to birth control might have actually done so to get rid of their acne problem. Because the pill is primarily made up of just hormones, it helps in regulating skin conditions and slowing the growth of body hair.
“Doctors often prescribe combination birth control pills because they can lower the body’s levels of androgen, a hormone that helps produce oils in the skin,” says Dr. Beatrice Chen, MD, an assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive services at the University of Pittsburgh.
So if you’ve tried everything to manage those pesky pimples to no avail, visit your doctor and see if the pill is a viable option for you.
Helps Your Mental Health
For many mental disorders, there’s still a physical and chemical aspect that influences your mood and condition. Hormones are one of those factors. Since that’s basically what the pill is made up of, taking it can actually have some effect on your mental well-being as well.
Many users find that even other forms of birth control such as implants have helped with symptoms of depression and anxiety. After all, health is a holistic concept with all aspects affecting each other.
Manages PCOS
Those who wish to ban forms of contraception seem not to be aware of how some people heavily rely on pills for other reasons. For those suffering from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) find that taking this form of birth control helps them manage the symptoms of their condition.
While it isn’t a cure, it still dramatically helps those with PCOS. Deciding to take the pill can be the difference between a healthy life and a one filled way days of pain, weight gain, severe acne and highly irregular periods.
According to Richard Fogoros, MD and Nicole Galan, RN, “it’s important to note that even the lowest dose of estrogen is effective in preventing pregnancy and may be less likely to cause side effects such as bloating, weight gain, and mood swings. By contrast, high dosages may increase the risk of irregular periods rather than reduce it.”