Contraceptives generally have one use in the public’s mind: to prevent pregnancy. But birth control medication goes beyond family planning, regardless of the woman’s future family plans or social life. These health benefits and treatment options could make elements of your life much less painful or difficult, just by altering your hormones a bit.
Treats Endometriosis
Endometriosis is when the uterine lining begins to grow outside of the uterus itself. This most often involves the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic tissue. Birth control treats the bleeding and pain from this condition by stopping menstruation entirely while being taken.
Lowers Risk of Certain Cancers
Taking contraceptives may lower your risk for endometrial, colorectal, and ovarian cancers. What’s more, this may work for up to thirty years after you stop taking the pill! Be aware that some studies have found there may be a greater risk of breast or cervical cancers. However, this risk does diminish within 5 years of getting off the pill.
Treats Period Pain
Because they regulate your hormones, contraceptives can improve your monthly cycle, particularly when it comes to pain. All types of birth control are effective at menstrual pain reduction because they thin the uterus lining. This translates to shorter, lighter, and less painful periods. You can also use birth control with your doctor’s direction to have fewer periods overall. This is useful for those women who suffer from periods with a higher frequency than just once a month.
Treats Migraines
While migraines can affect anyone, the likelihood of suffering from migraines is usually higher in women because of estrogen. Adjusting your hormones with birth control reduces migraine pain. This works better for some women than others, so be sure to ask your doctor.
Prevents Ovarian Cysts
By preventing ovulation with birth control, the chances of ovarian cysts forming go down. Ovarian cysts are pockets in or on your ovaries, which most of the time are painless and harmless. However, some can cause pain, bloating, or pressure in the lower abdomen. Birth control cannot cause a cyst to go away any faster, but it may prevent others from forming in the future.
Reduces and Treats Acne
Many teens and adults experience more severe acne than others. It can be more widespread, harder to treat, or even painful. Or it can last long past menopause. Sometimes, birth control can be used to adjust androgen hormones, which stimulate the skin to produce certain oils. However, only three kinds of birth control pills have been FDA-approved for acne treatments. Talk to your doctor about pills containing both estrogen and progesterone to reduce the appearance and severity of acne.