The Advantages of the Birth Control Pill
- Reduced Risk of Pregnancy. The main purpose, and biggest benefit, of the birth control pill is the simply fact that they prevent you from getting pregnant.
- A Lower Chance of Developing Certain Cancers. Studies have shown that women who take a birth control pill everyday for five years or more are much less likely to ...
- A Generally Free Option. ...
What are the pros and cons of birth control pills?
- No protection against STIs and increased risk of HIV due to the irritation from the spermicide
- Being effective for only an hour and may interfere with sexual activity
- Some people are allergic to spermicides
- Not being very effective when it comes to preventing pregnancy
- Increased risk of UTIs
What are the advantages and disadvantages of birth control?
The Pros Of Birth Control
- Helps Prevent Teenage Pregnancy. Providing free birth control has reduces the nationwide birth rates of teenagers substantially. ...
- Sex is not Interrupted. The experience of sex is different for everyone. ...
- Can Reduce The Frequency of Periods. ...
- Reduces Some Serious Health Risks. ...
- The Best Way Not To Get To An Abortion. ...
What are the long term effects of birth control?
Long-term use of birth control pills can lead to depletion of vitamin C, as well as other key vitamins like B12, B6 and folate, and minerals such as zinc, selenium, and magnesium. Low levels of these vitamins can significantly impact your mood, create fatigue, and lead to other symptoms, especially headache.
What medications affect birth control?
They include:
- Darunavir ( Prezista)
- Efavirenz ( Sustiva)
- Lopinavir/ ritonavir ( Kaletra)
- Nevirapine ( Viramune)
What are the disadvantages of birth control pills?
The sections below will look at some common side effects of oral contraceptives.Spotting between periods. Breakthrough bleeding, or spotting, refers to when vaginal bleeding occurs between menstrual cycles. ... Nausea. ... Breast tenderness. ... Headaches and migraine. ... Weight gain. ... Mood changes. ... Missed periods. ... Decreased libido.More items...
What are the benefits and risks of taking birth control pills?
They can lessen the pain of menstrual cramps, keep acne under control, and protect against certain cancers. As with all medications, they do have some potential risks and side effects. These include an increased risk of blood clots and a small increase in breast cancer risk.
Does birth control make your boobs bigger?
Starting to take the pill can stimulate the breasts to grow. However, any increase in size is typically slight. Within a few months of taking the pill, the breasts generally return to their regular size. This usually also happens if a person stops taking the pill.
Does birth control make you gain weight?
It's rare, but some women do gain a little bit of weight when they start taking birth control pills. It's often a temporary side effect that's due to fluid retention, not extra fat. A review of 44 studies showed no evidence that birth control pills caused weight gain in most women.
The Pill Is An Effective Way to Prevent pregnancy.
If you follow the instructions and use the birth control pill the right way, it gives you great protection against pregnancy.Take a pill every day,...
The Pill Has Health Benefits.
Side effects aren’t always a bad thing, and birth control pills aren’t just for birth control. The pill has many perks besides pregnancy prevention...
The Pill Makes Your Period A Breeze.
Lots of people like the pill because it makes their periods regular and easy to predict. The hormones in the pill can also reduce menstrual cramps...
You Can Get Pregnant Right Away When You Stop Taking The Pill.
Many people on the pill want to have kids when the time is right. One of the great things about the birth control pill is you can get pregnant righ...
Why do women take birth control?
2. It makes periods less painful. About 31 percent of women who use birth control pills cite menstrual pain as one of the reasons they continue to take them. Hormonal birth control prevents ovulation. When you don’t ovulate, your uterus doesn’t experience the painful contractions that cause cramps during ovulation.
How long does birth control last?
Women who take combination birth control pills are 50 percent less likely to get uterine cancer. These effects can last for up to 20 years after you stop taking the pill.
Does birth control help with acne?
Hormonal birth control methods may balance the hormonal fluctuations that happen throughout your cycle. This can help with a variety of menstrual issues, including irregular or heavy bleeding. It can even help with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) symptoms, including acne and excess hair.
Can you skip your period with birth control?
Experts think menstrual migraines are linked to a drop in estrogen and progesterone just before your period starts. Hormonal birth control methods that allow you to skip your period, such as a continuous pill, implant, or IUD, can help to avoid this drop. 9. It gives you the freedom to bleed on your own terms.
Is birth control good for women?
Hormonal birth control is a lifesaver for many women trying to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Of course, nonhormonal methods have their benefits too. But hormonal birth control, including the pill, some IUDs, implants, and patches, offer a range of benefits beyond pregnancy prevention. 1. It regulates menstrual cycles.
Do birth control pills have hormones?
Most packs of birth control pills come with a week of placebo pills that don’t contain any hormones. They’re just there to keep you in the habit of taking a pill every day. Usually, you’d get your period while taking these placebo pills.
Is there a birth control pill that has FDA approval?
It’s the only birth control pill to receive FDA approval for this purpose. Just keep in mind that experts are still trying to fully uncover all the underlying causes of PMS and PMDD. Adding to this, different birth control methods have different doses and combinations of hormones.
Why do women take birth control pills?
Birth control pills are taken daily to prevent pregnancy. The pills contain hormones similar to the ones that naturally exist in a woman’s body. Those hormones help prevent ovulation. And without ovulation, there’s no egg released for sperm to fertilize. There are two types of birth control pills: progestin-only pills and combination pills ...
How effective is the pill for pregnancy?
When used correctly, those methods are 71 to 86% effective, depending on the type used. By taking the pill at the same time every day, you maintain a steady level of the hormones in your body, making it a very effective form of pregnancy prevention. With correct use, the pill is over 90% effective.
What hormones are produced by the ovaries?
The ovaries produce a hormone called androgen . Androgen helps produce oils on the skin. If you produce higher than average levels of androgen or are more sensitive to androgens in the blood, this can cause frequent breakouts. Combination birth control pills can help lower the amount of androgen you produce, which can help reduce hormonal acne.
What hormones are produced during the menstrual cycle?
During your menstrual cycle, your uterine lining produces hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins help your uterus contract in order to shed the lining. But too much of these prostaglandins can cause painful cramps, which is often called dysmenorrhea.
How many pills are in a conventional pill?
You can also choose between conventional pills and extended-cycle pills. The conventional pills come with 24 active pills and four inactive pills. This enables you to get your period regularly, every month.
When were birth control pills invented?
And since their invention in the 1950s, birth control pills have come a long way. With several different formulas created with different needs in mind, birth control pills are far from one-size-fits-all. It’s easier than ever to find the type of pill that works best for you. But did you know that the health benefits of birth control pills go ...
Do birth control pills help with menstrual cycle?
Because birth control pills contain progestin and estrogen, they’re able to help balance your hormones and regulate your menstrual cycle . Birth control pills can make your period more predictable, so you always know when it’s coming.
What happens if a woman's ovaries are not fertilized?
If the egg is not fertilized by male sperm, it dissolves and the lining of the uterus (which has built up a lining of blood cells) then sheds the cells through the vagina – this is what is considered a monthly period. If a female is prescribed hormonal birth control, the medication “tricks” the ovaries into thinking that ...
Is birth control the longest pill?
The benefits of the birth control pill are well known, because it’s the most prescribed medication in the world! While the pill has been around the longest, there are many other methods available that last longer and that have other benefits. Keep in mind that each body is different so some woman may experience different effects.
Is there hormonal birth control?
In addition to the pill, there are currently many other methods of hormonal birth control available. Methods like the contraceptive implant, IUD, patch, ring and the shot have become extremely popular due to their longer-lasting effects for pregnancy prevention, as well as some of the other, lesser-known benefits of hormonal birth control.
Does birth control cause cramps?
Most hormonal birth control methods reduce the length of the monthly period. Usually, after a few months, the body’s hormones have been regulated, causing a more predictable or lighter cycle. Many women report fewer cramps as well! Hormonal birth control can lead to reduced monthly bleeding.
Does birth control help with ovarian cysts?
Most of the studies have been with the pill, but evidence exists that the hormones supplied in many birth control methods have similar effects in preventing ovarian, endometrial and colorectal cancers. Oral contraceptives (such as the pill) have been proven to reduce ovarian cysts.
Is birth control good for you?
Birth control has come a long way since it was first introduced. The levels of hormones have been reduced to where side effects are not only greatly minimized, but are even considered beneficial! In addition to the pill, there are currently many other methods of hormonal birth control available.
Can IUD stop my period?
Methods such as the IUD and contraceptive implant can even STOP a period completely. The body begins to not expect an egg each month, so the uterus does not need such a thick lining to shed.Remember this can vary for each woman. Hormonal birth control methods can reduce the incidence of certain cancers in women.
Why is birth control important?
One purpose of birth control is to reduce menstrual pain. Hormonal birth control methods prevent pregnancy by averting ovulation. Thus, failure to ovulate means that your uterus will not undergo the painful contractions that result in cramps during ovulation.
What is the purpose of pill patches?
The use of pills, patches, and implants help balance hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle. This can play a significant role in solving various menstrual problems such as heavy bleeding and irregular cycles.
Does birth control help with cancer?
Taking birth control can alleviate your chances of getting some cancers. Women who use birth control pills tend to have a lower risk of experiencing ovarian cancer compared to women who do not take pills. Taking the pill for an extended period reduces the chances of getting this type of cancer, and the effect can last for over 30 years after you stop using the tablets.
Can birth control stop ovulation?
Ovarian cysts are compact, liquid-filled swellings that occur in the ovaries during ovulation. Although ovarian cysts don’t pose a significant health threat, they tend to be painful. Women who experience polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) tend to suffer more from this condition compared to other women. By taking birth control pills, you can stop ovulation, which can prevent the growth of cysts.
How long does it take for birth control to stop bleeding?
There are birth control pill regimens designed to prevent bleeding for three months at a time or for as long as a year. But it's possible to prevent your period with continuous use of monophasic birth control pills — pills with the same hormone dose in the three weeks of active pills. To prevent your period with these pills, don't take the inactive pills and start right away on a new pack.
How long does it take for a period to start after stopping birth control?
The hormones in birth control pills don't remain in your system. Usually periods start again a few weeks after stopping the pill. However, if your periods were infrequent before you started taking the pill, they will likely be that way again after you stop taking the pill.
What is the morning after pill?
Morning-after pills contain either levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step, EContra One-Step, others) or ulipristal acetate (ella, Logilia).
How long does it take for Levonorgestrel to work?
Levonorgestrel pills are available over-the-counter to anyone of any age. Levonorgestrel pills work best when used as soon as possible — and within three days — after unprotected sex. Ulipristal acetate is a nonhormonal medication available only by prescription.
How does a pregnancy test work?
Pregnancy tests work by measuring a specific pregnancy-related hormone — human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) — in your blood or urine. The active ingredients in birth control pills don't affect how a pregnancy test measures the level of HCG in your system.
Can you get pregnant with Levonorgestrel?
You could still become pregnant after using levonorgestrel for emergency contraception. BMI is not as much of a concern when using ulipristal. Use of an IUD for emergency birth control is not affected by body weight. I have taken birth control pills for years and want to stop.
Does birth control make your breasts bigger?
Instead, you may be retaining more fluid, which can make you feel as if you've put on weight, particularly in your breasts, hips and thighs. The estrogen in birth control pills does affect fat (adipose) cells, making them larger but not more numerous.
How long does it take for birth control to go away?
The good news is that most of these side effects will go away by the second or third month of use—as your body adjusts to the progestin and/or estrogen in the pill.
When was birth control approved?
Women have been enjoying the benefits and advantages of the birth control pill since it was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on May 9, 1960. The pill is actually one of the most researched and studied of all medications.
Can birth control cause blood clots?
The most serious complication of combination birth control pill use has to do with developing a blood clot in your heart, lungs, brain, or legs. 5 Women using combination pills who are confined to bed rest or are wearing a cast seem to have a higher likelihood of developing a blood clot.
When deciding whether or not to use a pill, should you and your doctor discuss the pros and cons?
When deciding whether or not to use the pill, you and your doctor should discuss the pros and cons as they relate specifically to you. Be sure you also discuss possible interactions with other medications you might be taking if you both feel that the pros outweigh the cons, and you are a good candidate for the pill.
Is it safe to take birth control pills?
It is a safe birth control method. Birth control pills can decrease menstrual cramps. It allows for sexual spontaneity. The pill can help you time your period—combination pills can be taken to regulate (change the timing and frequency) of your period or be used to skip your period altogether.
Is birth control safe for pregnancy?
Risks and Complications. Serious problems do not occur very often with the pill. Typically, birth control pills are much safer than pregnancy and childbirth. Women who use combination birth control pills may have a slightly greater chance of certain medical issues than nonusers.
Does birth control help with cancer?
Research suggests that birth control pills lower the risk of ovarian cancer by 27% and the risk of endometrial cancer by 50% compared to those who have never taken oral contraceptives. 2 .
How long does it take for birth control to go back to normal?
According to the National Cancer Institute, there appears to be a slight increase in risk, but the risk level goes back to normal after 10 years of stopping birth control pills. It is important to remember that there are many other risk factors for cancer.
How successful is the saline pill?
The pill is easy to use and, when taken correctly, it is 95% to 99.9% successful at preventing pregnancy. However as with any medication, there are both risks and benefits.
Can birth control cause cancer?
Taking birth control pills for many years may increase the risk of certain types of cancer, like cervical cancer. Researchers are still investigating the link between birth control pills and breast cancer. Some studies have found that there is an increased risk, while others studies have come to the opposite conclusion.
Can you get a heart attack from taking birth control?
Cardiovascular Disease. Women aged 35 or older who smoke heavily and take birth control pills have an increased risk of having a heart attack or stroke. You may have an even greater risk if you have other risk factors (like a family history of cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure).
Can birth control cause high blood pressure?
High Blood Pressure. Taking birth control pills may increase the risk of high blood pressure. This risk may be greater if you have other conditions, like obesity, having a family history of high blood pressure, or smoking. If you take birth control pills, your doctor will check your blood pressure.
Is birth control a combination pill?
There are different kinds of birth control pills. Some are combination pills, with estrogen and progestin, while others are "mini-pills" with just progestin . Estrogen may affect triglyceride levels and total cholesterol levels—increasing HDL "good" cholesterol and decreasing LDL "bad" cholesterol. Progestin may cause "good" cholesterol to lower and "bad" cholestorol to rise. For most women, these changes in blood levels are not strong enough to have a poor effect on your health.
Does birth control help with colon cancer?
In addition, researchers are investigating whether birth control pills decrease the chance of developing colon or rectal cancers.
What does taking a pill a day do?
Here are a few of the things taking a dose a day can do for you: Irregular Periods. There's a big difference between a normal period and a regular period. You may have a totally normal period, but that doesn't mean it's going to show up on the same day each month.
How long do you ovulate when you are on hormones?
In response, you don't ovulate for 21 to 24 days. During the time you're taking the hormones, the uterine lining is stabilized because you're not ovulating, resulting in a lighter, shorter, and less painful bleed that is controlled," Dr. Feit explains. Translation: At the exact same time each day for 21 to 24 days, ...
Can you take birth control if you are not sexually active?
Yup, even if you're not sexually active, you could still benefit from taking birth control pills , particularly the most common form that contains both estrogen and progesterone. To understand how it all works, we spoke with Dr. Lauren Feit, an obstetrician-gynecologist affiliated with New York-Presbyterian Hospital.
Can you take birth control every month?
You might not even get your period every month, and that's OK. As mentioned above, taking the birth control pill puts your menstrual cycle on a set schedule. So, if you're getting sick of your period showing up on its own terms, birth control pills may be the solution you're looking for. Painful Periods.
Is birth control good for pregnancy?
It's not just for birth control. Birth control pills aren' t just for preventing unwanted pregnancy. In fact, a 2011 study from the Guttmacher Institute tells us that 33% of American teens are using oral contraception for non-contraceptive benefits, including the treatment of hallelujah emoji menstrual cramps and acne.
Does birth control help with endometriosis?
Just like [the birth control pill] stabilizes the lining of the uterus, it stabilizes the endometrium. ". Ouch. The progesterone in birth control pills limits the growth of endometrium just as it regulates the growth of uterine lining. If you have unusually painful periods, it could be smart to ask your doctor about endometriosis, ...
