Birth control pills, also known as oral contraceptive pills, are among the most widely studied and prescribed medications globally. They are known as some of the most effective ways to prevent pregnancy and treat other health conditions.
Oral contraceptive pills are categorized into two types – first, the one containing progestin and estrogen, known as the combined oral contraceptive (COC). The second type is the progestin-only pill (POP). The COC pill is more preferred and works by producing estrogen and progestin. Estrogen prevents the release of both luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones, thus preventing ovulation. Progestin, on the other hand, thickens the cervical mucus, thus creating a barrier to prevent sperm from reaching the egg.
There are many perks to using the pill apart from the prevention of pregnancy. This article will discuss the alternative uses of the contraceptive pill and the pros and cons of using it in such ways.
1. Skip Or Delay Periods
It is normal for women to experience periods. Periods should not interfere with the regular progress of your daily activities. Some women experience severe pre-menstrual and menstrual symptoms – to alleviate these symptoms, the pill is used.
Extended cycle pill regimens provide active hormone pills for daily use up to three months and a week of low-dose estrogen pills, when menstrual bleeding is experience. The most recent extended cycle regimen can stop all menstrual bleeding. This involves taking active hormone pills for a year consistently. It prevents hormonal changes that lead to menstrual bleeding, severe cramps, headaches, bloating, and general discomfort brought about by periods. The pill is especially beneficial for women with conditions such as anemia. Monthly blood loss affects them severely, and delaying or skipping periods alleviates their suffering. An increase in unpredictable mid-cycle bleeding is the main side effect of using the pill to skip periods for an extended time. However, the frequency of this bleeding decreases over time.
2. Relieve Endometriosis Symptoms and Prevent Ovarian Cysts
Endometriosis is a condition that occurs when the endometrium grows outside the uterus. This tissue bleeds during periods and causes extreme pain. Although birth control pills do not heal endometriosis, they can help by letting you skip your periods and allowing the pain to be managed.
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form in the ovaries during ovulation or after. Functional ovarian cysts may bleed and cause extreme pain. Stopping ovulation by using the pills therefore prevents the development of new cysts and regrowth of existing cysts.
3. Acne Reduction
Acne is caused by excess production of sebum, which along with dead skin cells, clogs pores and triggers the growth of bacteria that leads to acne. Severe acne can even lead to permanent skin scarring. Over the years, dermatologists have adopted the use of birth control pills to treat acne successfully as their effectiveness has been confirmed by numerous studies. The use of hormonal pills minimizes hormonal fluctuations that trigger mild to severe acne. The most effective type of pill to treat acne is the COC, but it takes a few months before the skin starts clearing. Eventually, the acne becomes less severe, and the inflammation reduces.
4. Pills In Relation To Cancer
Research findings by observational studies carried out on population-based and large cohort studies have provided evidence that women who use these pills containing estrogen and progesterone are at a lower risk of contracting ovarian, endometrial, and colon cancer. The benefits last as long as you continue using them. However, using this pill has some disadvantages – It slightly increases the risk of contracting cervical and breast cancer. The risk decreases after you have been off the pill and increases the longer you use it.
Conclusion
You should talk to your doctor about all the options available when choosing a birth control method. It is important to consider the risks and benefits associated with contraceptive pills before using them.
