Birth control pills have been on the market since 1960. This form of contraception has always been very popular and highly successful among women. And, it’s known to have positive effects on other aspects of your health. Here are eight ancillary benefits of taking birth control pills:
More Manageable Endometriosis
Hormone treatments may help slow the growth and local activity of both the endometrium and the endometrial lesions. Oral contraceptives help make your period lighter, more regular and shorter. Plus, it may provide relief from endometriosis pain.
Blood Conservation
Birth control pills make your period lighter so you lose less blood during your cycle. This reduction in blood flow may be because the hormone dosages in birth control pills are low and do not stimulate the uterus to build up a thick lining.
Skin and Hair Benefits
The estrogen in the pill can reduce your testosterone levels. Less testosterone means that your body is making less sebum, the oily secretions of the sebaceous glands that can clog pores and create pimples. Less testosterone also means less unwanted hair growth.
A Lower Risk of Certain Types of Cancer
Studies show that birth control pills may lower your risk for both ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer. After five years of use, your risk of developing ovarian cancer decreases by about 50 percent. For endometrial cancer, the protective effect increases with the length of time oral contraceptives are used and continues for several years after you stop taking them.
A Lower Risk of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
The pill causes your body to create thicker cervical mucus. In turn, making it more challenging for bacteria to reach your uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. This may help protect you from developing PID, a condition often caused by untreated sexually transmitted diseases.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Benefits
Birth control pills that contain both estrogen and progestin may help regulate your menstrual cycle. These pills decrease androgen production and give your body a break from the effects of continuous estrogen. This lowers your risk of endometrial cancer and can correct abnormal bleeding.
Mood Stabilization During Perimenopause
Birth control pills help put your natural ovarian function at rest and provide a steady level of hormones that keep brain function in balance.
Increased Protection During Flu Season
Women who take an oral contraceptive with estrogen may have more protection from the flu virus than others. Researchers discovered that estrogen levels in women who took birth control pills reduced the amount of flu virus that replicated in infected cells.
If you would like to meet with a knowledgeable doctor, consider contacting Women’s Health Arizona. As Arizona’s largest ObGyn group, we’re trained and solely dedicated to delivering the best ObGyn experience in convenient and comfortable settings around Phoenix.
