Birth control pills can be up to 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Despite this and other advantages of using the pill, many women still worry about the potential risks of using it as birth control. While it is true that the pill has been improved and refined throughout the years to minimize these risks, there are still potential drawbacks in using this medication. Women who are considering using the birth control pill should carefully weigh the pros and cons before using it.
Types
Many types of birth control pills are available. Monophasic birth control pills contain active pills with equal amounts of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This type of pill may cause fewer mood changes, according to Drugs.com. Multiphasic birth control pills will contain varying amounts of hormones based upon the cycle date the pill will be taken. Since this mimics a woman's natural menstrual cycle, it may prevent unwelcome physical side effects. Progesterone-only pills only contain the hormone progesterone, which makes them a good option for those that can not take estrogren. Finally, extended-cycle birth control pills are taken for a longer period and eliminate the need for monthly menstruation.
Benefits
Besides the obvious benefit of protecting against an unwanted pregnancy, there are also many other benefits to taking the birth control pill. It can help treat endometriosis and reduce pelvic inflammatory disease, according to the University of Wisconsin Health Service department. However, perhaps one of the most important benefits of the birth control pill is that it can protect against cancer. According to the University of Wisconsin Health Service, taking the pill for over a year reduces the risk of endometrial cancer and taking the pill for just three to six months can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.
Effects
There are many positive and negative side effects of taking birth control pills. Positive side effects of some types of birth control pills include improving acne, lightening menstrual flow and decreasing the severity or frequency of menstrual cramps, according to the Feminist Women's Health Center. Negative side effects may include breast tenderness, nausea, headaches and menstrual changes. In addition, there is an increased risk of serious reactions, such as allergic reaction, heart attacks, strokes and blood clots, according to the American Pregnancy Association.
Dosage
The way birth control pills are taken may be a pro or a con depending upon a woman's perspective. On the one hand, it is very easy to take and only requires swallowing a pill each day. However, in order for the medication to work properly, it must be taken at the same time each and every day. If a pill is missed, a backup method of birth control is necessary to prevent pregnancy. Therefore, women who have difficulty remembering to take a pill at the same time each day may be better off selecting another birth control method.
Considerations
According to the American Pregnancy Association, women with a history of liver disease, blood clots, strokes, breast cancer or heart attacks should not use the pill. Women who are over 35 and smoke also should avoid taking birth control pills, as these factors increase these risks. It is also important to note that birth control pills do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. However, birth control pills have a low failure rate when used correctly. They do not interrupt foreplay or sexual intercourse like other birth control methods and are completely reversible if a woman later decides she would like to get pregnant.
