While birth control pills, also known as oral contraceptives, are primarily used for the purpose of preventing pregnancy, they have many other health benefits as well. In fact, it is becoming increasingly more common for birth control pills to be prescribed for other uses in addition to contraception. According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, birth control pills are used by more than 11 million people all over the world.
Pregnancy Prevention
The main use of birth control pills continues to be the prevention of unwanted pregnancies. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists report that birth control pills are the most popular form of contraceptive around. According to the medical journal Human Reproduction Update, the benefits of preventing unwanted pregnancy apply not only to families, but to populations as well. People are now able to choose when they get pregnant and when not to, which helps to control the population and prevent excessive resource demands.
Less Cramping
Birth control pills also have the benefit of reducing the intensity of dysmenorrhea, or menstrual pain caused by uterine cramping. The hormones in birth control pills (estrogen and progesterone) help to decrease the intensity with which the uterus contracts during menstruation. Up to 70 to 80 percent of women with dysmenorrhea get some relief from cramping through birth control pills.
Reduced Acne
The hormones contained in birth control pills can also clear up the skin. The Association of Reproductive Health Professionals reported that in one study, up to 95 percent of women taking birth control pills noticed a significant decrease in their acne. According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, however, this may only be true for certain brands. Progesterone concentration tends to be the determining factor, as those with higher levels are more effective at reducing acne.
Fewer PMS Symptoms
The Association of Reproductive Health Professionals reports that the hormones in birth control pills also decrease many of the symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome). This includes breast tenderness, bloating and weight gain. In fact, it has been prescribed for this purpose (in addition to pregnancy prevention) for more than 40 years.
Lower Risk of Certain Cancers
According to the Human Reproduction Update, the risks of many types of cancers are lower in people who take birth control pills. Ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer and colorectal cancer risks are all reduced in women who use oral contraceptives, especially those containing estrogen.
Decreased Endometriosis Symptoms
Endometriosis is a painful condition that causes growth of uterine lining outside of the uterus. Birth control pills not only decrease some of the side effects of endometriosis, such as dysmenorrhea, but, according to the Human Reproduction Update, they can also reduce the rate of endometrial cell proliferation. In other words, they can decrease the tissue formation outside the uterine walls. The Association of Reproductive Health Professionals report that up to 80 percent of women with endometriosis found birth control pills significantly reduced their symptoms.
