Birth control pills provide certain health benefits in addition to preventing pregnancy.
Before you start taking oral contraceptives, discuss the health benefits with a health care professional.
Some of the main health benefits of birth control pills include an improved menstrual cycle (less bleeding and cramps), decreased risk of certain types of cancers, protection from ovarian cysts and an improved complexion.
Prevent pregnancy
First and foremost, birth control pills are one of the most effective forms of reversible birth control. If used correctly, the odds are that only one in 1,000 women is likely to get pregnant in the first year of use. However, the actual failure rate is eight in 100 due primarily to missed pills or failure to resume pills after the seven-day pill-free period.
Birth control pills improve menstrual cycle
Birth control pills – benefits
Birth control pills can improve your menstrual cycle in at least four ways, including:
- less bleeding during periods – birth control pills usually cause lighter periods;
- more regular and consistent menstrual cycle – birth control pills can help to regulate the menstrual cycle so your period comes about every 28 days;
- relief from pelvic pain during menstruation – birth control pills can help to decrease menstrual cramps;
- relief from primarily mood-related symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
Prevent some types of cancer
Contraceptive pills have been shown to protect women from ovarian and uterine cancer, and possibly from colorectal cancer.
Protect from ovarian cysts
If you take contraceptive pills, you may have a lower risk for developing ovarian cysts than women using non-hormonal methods of contraception, such as diaphragms or condoms. Women using low-dose pills (20 mcg of estrogen) or multiphasic pills may not get the same benefit.
Clearer Skin – Improve acne
Contraceptive pills are known as one of effective treatments of teenage acne. The hormones in most types of birth control pills can help stop acne from forming. Be patient though, it can take a few months to see an improvement.
Reduce chances for PID
Contraceptive pills also protects against infections of your fallopian tubes (called PID-Pelvic Inflammatory Disease) that would need hospitalization.
Reduce chances for anemia
Because there is less menstrual bleeding with the use of oral contraceptive pills, girls taking pills are less likely to become anemic.
Reduce chances for ectopic pregnancy
Contraceptive pills also protect against pregnancies that occur outside the uterus (called tubal, or ectopic pregnancy).
