Benefits of Birth Control

The advances in medical research have given rise to a number of birth control options today, effectively serving the contraceptive needs of people of different lifestyles. You might want to read the types of birth control available in the market.

In addition to their contraceptive use, some types of birth control offer several physiological benefits to women. Specifically, hormonal birth controls in the form of pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), implants or patches benefit a woman’s reproductive health.

Here are the important benefits of birth control:

Relieves symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Mood swings, irritability or depression can occur in the days preceding period, which is called as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). An inadequacy or dysfunction of the female reproductive hormones has been linked to PMS. Hormonal birth controls release two hormones called progestin and estrogen which may stop ovulation thus relieving the symptoms of PMS.

Regulates menstrual cycles

Woman with irregular menstrual cycles may possibly have hormonal fluctuations or conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). The use of hormonal contraceptive pills sets the hormonal issues right, thus helping the body to return back to regular menstrual cycles.

Reduces the risks for uterine cancer and ovarian cysts

A long-term use of hormonal birth control, especially the combination pills can prevent cysts from forming in the ovaries. These pills act by preventing the release of egg from the ovary because of the altered hormonal states. Research suggests that birth control pills also provide prevention against certain types of cancers like uterine cancer and colorectal cancers in women.

Improves the physiological effects of menstruation

In some women, menstruation can be a nightmare because of the painful symptoms it is associated with. Regular use of hormonal birth controls can reduce the following symptoms of menstruation:

·         Acne   

       Menstrual pain

·         Menstrual migraine

·         Heavy flow

·         Hair loss

·         Excess hair

Improves bone mineral density

Though there are not adequate substantial study relating birth control pills and bone mineral density, some studies show that older woman, when they use birth control pills have improved bone mineral density than those who did not use a hormonal pill.

Reference

 

ACOG Guidelines on Non-contraceptive Uses of Hormonal Contraceptives. American Family Physician. 2010.

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2010/0801/p288.html