Know the health benefits of birth control pills

The Asian Age.

Life, Health

Other than preventing unwanted pregnancies, birth control pills have these benefits too.

Birth control pills are usually avoided if possible as they are believed to cause weigh gain, and more scarily, infertility. (Photo: Representational/Pixabay)

Birth control pills and condoms are the most popular methods to prevent pregnancy. Between the two, condoms are more preferred as they have no side effects. Birth control pills are usually avoided if possible as they are believed to cause weigh gain, and more scarily, infertility.

The correct use of these pills is to prevent unwanted pregnancies but they have several other benefits. Here are some of the benefits of birth control pills, reported Times of India:

Regularises menstrual cycle

Several factors such as stress, burnout, poor diet and lifestyle can take a toll on out reproductive health. The normal 28 day cycle can get affected and other symptoms can also manifest. Whatever the issue, birth control pills can regulate the cycle back to its 28 to 31 days cycle.

Controls PMS symptoms

Pre-menstrual symptoms can get really bad for a few women, rendering them incapable of doing daily chores. Using birth control pills reduces the levels of prostaglandins which thicken the uterus walls, making periods painful.

Relief from cysts and endometriosis

Birth control tablets can provide relief from ovarian cysts and endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition in which tissues grow out of the uterus, which causes severe pain. These pills control the growth of the tissue and thus help in pain relief.  Ovulation chances are eliminated by birth control pills, so it reduces the development of ovarian cysts as well.

Controls PCOD

Poly cystic ovarian disorder affects a large number of women. It has severe side effects like delayed period, excessive hormone secretion, and extreme menstrual cramps. Consuming birth control pills helps reduce side effects from PCOD.

Improves skin

Birth control pills reduce the production of androgen in the body. This is the hormone is responsible for oil production which in turn results in acne. The pills, which are a combination of progestin and oestrogen, are also often prescribed to those dealing with extreme acne conditions like acne vulgaris.  

Reduces risk of ovarian cancer and anaemia

A study published in 2013 by Obstetrics and Gynaecology noted that there was a 40 per cent decrease in ovarian cancer chances among those who took birth control pills. These pills also regulate excessive blood flow during periods, thus decreasing chances of anaemia.

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