If you're making a pros and cons list about for birth control, there will certainly be items in each column. When used correctly, birth control can effectively prevent pregnancy, reduce painful menstrual symptoms and even lower your risk of certain reproductive cancers. Knowing the benefits of birth control can help you feel good about making the decision to take it.
Choice
One of the most positive aspects of birth control is having a variety of kinds to choose from. If you have difficulty remembering to take a pill each day, you can try the ring. If you're not comfortable with the idea of getting a shot, you can use the patch. If you don't want to think about your birth control at all, you can try an IUD. There's a type of birth control to match most women's lifestyles.
Convenience
Many women choose their method because they find it convenient. There are brands of pills that allow you to have fewer periods each year. There are brands you wear and brands you insert so that you don't have to think about your birth control on a daily basis. Many women even find the daily pill easy and convenient to take.
Efficacy
According to Planned Parenthood, hormonal birth control is over 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy when used correctly. It's a reliable way to control your own fertility.
Improved Menstrual Symptoms
Women taking hormonal birth control often take it for medical reasons instead of or in addition to taking it for pregnancy prevention. Birth control can lighten heavy periods, mitigate symptoms associated with premenstrual dysmorphic disorder, ease cramps and bring regularity to an irregular cycle.
Decreased Risk of Reproductive Cancers and Disorders
According to The Center for Young Women's Health, women who take hormonal birth control decrease their risk of conditions like anemia, ovarian cysts and pelvic inflammatory disease. Hormonal birth control also reduces the risk of getting certain kinds of cancer, such as ovarian and uterine cancer. It's also used to treat acne.
