Frederick Jace
We’ve all heard about birth control for preventing pregnancy, but there are many other reasons to use it. For example, birth control can also help with acne, heavy periods, menstrual cramps, and more. In this post, we’re going to explore 7 of the most popular reasons for using birth control in addition to preventing pregnancy.
- Treat Acne
One of the most common reasons for birth control is to treat acne. According to a study from the Cochrane Collaboration, “oral contraceptives can improve or clear up severe acne.” This is because it regulates hormones and decreases oil production in your skin. Birth control reduces the levels of androgen hormones in your body, which are known to cause oil production. In addition, birth control can help decrease acne by making your periods more regular.
Unexpected pregnancy can be a life-altering event, challenging individuals with a wave of emotions and decisions. Whether it’s a result of contraceptive failure, lack of contraception, or simply unexpected circumstances, the news of a pregnancy can bring about a mix of excitement, fear, confusion, and uncertainty.
- Lessen Pain from Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of the uterus, creating painful cysts and lesions. Women with endometriosis experience pain during their periods, fatigue, and difficulty getting pregnant. A 2021 study found that combined oral contraceptives are effective in diminishing endometriosis-related pelvic pain. This is because birth control helps decrease the amount of estrogen in your body, reducing pain from endometriosis.
- Make Your Periods More Regular
Most women get their period every 21-35 days when taking control pills. However, it is possible to have your periods more or less frequently while on birth control. If you are experiencing irregular periods, you may want to talk with your doctor about control pills, especially if your irregularity is causing problems in your life. For example, some women only get their period once every 6-12 months when taking birth control. Even though this may sound great at first, this can be a sign of health concerns such as ovarian cysts. Periods are controlled by hormones, and when you take control pills, your body gets a steady dose of hormones in the same amounts each day, which helps regulate your period.
- Prevent Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhea)
If you suffer from dysmenorrhea or painful menstrual cramps, you may want to talk to your doctor about birth control pills. The pill is one of the most popular treatments for painful menstrual cramps. In addition to preventing ovulation through the release of hormones, pills also have several other effects on the body that can help with painful periods.
- Decrease PMS Symptoms
If you suffer from premenstrual syndrome (PMS), then a daily dose of hormones may be just what you need. Many women experience symptoms such as irritability, cramping, and breast tenderness before their period. Combined birth control pills can help prevent ovulation, so you don’t have a buildup of extra estrogen in your body, thus easing PMS symptoms. Progestin-only medication may also be used to help treat PMS symptoms because this type of pill can have a calming effect on the nervous system.
- Lighter Periods
Some women have found that birth control has enabled them to experience lighter periods, which means they won’t have to worry about wearing tampons or sanitary napkins regularly during their monthly flow visit.
- Promote Fertility
Birth control can also help to regulate your menstrual cycle, helping you prepare for pregnancy. Some women start taking birth control after they’ve stopped breastfeeding so that their cycles can return to normal before trying to conceive another child.
Conclusion
If you are experiencing symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or painful menstrual cramps, you may want to talk with your doctor about birth control pills. They can help prevent ovulation, and with this, you get an easier time avoiding too much estrogen in your system. In addition to preventing ovulation through the release of hormones, birth control pills also have other effects on the body that can help alleviate PMS symptoms.
