When it comes to contraception, birth control pills and condoms are the most popular choice. While the pill sometimes comes with its own set of myths such as weight gain, causing infertility (not TRUE), it is also prescribed for other ailments. Believe it or not – birth control has surprisingly plenty of health benefits.
“World over the unintended pregnancy rate is high and this was estimated as 70 per 1,000 women aged 15–49 in India in 2015 which is similar to the rates in neighbouring Bangladesh (67) and Nepal (68), and much lower than the rate in Pakistan (93). Most unintended pregnancies happen because of lack of information about contraception or a lack of responsibility about preventing a pregnancy. Hence, responsible use of contraception prevents unwanted pregnancies, abortions and their complications.Family planning, including planning, delaying and spacing pregnancies, is linked to improved birth outcomes for babies, either directly or through healthy maternal behaviors during pregnancy,” says Dr Prathima Reddy, Director & Senior Consultant-Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Fortis La Femme.
Wondering what are the other health benefits? We list them out
1. Regularization of menstrual cycles
Our menstrual cycle can go for a toss owing to poor diet, stress and other factors. Birth control can help regularize it and bring it back to a 28 or 31 day cycle.
2. Lesser cramps, bleeding and PMS symptoms
Suffering from severe cramps that often leave you in bed with a heating pad on top of your stomach? Using birth control reduces the amount of prostaglandins which thicken the walls of the uterus, thus making your period less painful.
3. Provides relief from Endometriosis and Ovarian Cysts
Endometriosis is a condition when tissue grows outside the uterus and causes severe pain. Birth control pills helps reduce the growth of the tissue which in turn help relieve the pain of Endometriosis. Since the birth control pill eliminates ovulation, the chances of getting cysts are few.
4. Reduction in acne and hair growth (facial)
Birth control pills help lower the body’s levels of androgen, a hormone that helps produce oils in the skin which in turn reduces acne. Birth control pills that are a combination of both estrogen and progestin are often prescribed to those who have severe acne.
5. Helps in controlling Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS or Polycystic Ovarian syndrome has side effects of delayed periods, excess facial hair and severe cramps. The birth control pill helps reduce those side effects.
6. Reduces risk of some Cancers, such as Ovarian Cancer, Endometrial Cancer & Colorectal Cancer
The longer you are on the pill, the lower your chances are of getting ovarian cancer. According to a 2013 study published by Obstetrics and Gynecology, women on the pill saw a 40% decrease in contracting Ovarian cancer.
