Birth Control Pills Advantages and Disadvantages
by admin on Jan.30, 2010, under Women's Health
ore than 45 years since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved \”the pill\” in 1960; it continues to be the most popular and one of the most effective forms of reversible birth control. Today, American women have more than 40 different oral contraceptive products from which to choose.
Birth control pills provide certain health benefits in addition to preventing pregnancy.
- Highly effective reversible contraception. Birth control pills provide highly reliable contraceptive protection, exceeding 99%. Even when imperfect use (skipping an occasional pill) is considered, the BCPs are still very effective in preventing pregnancy.
- Menstrual cycle regulation. Birth control pills cause menstrual cycles to occur regularly and predictably. This is especially helpful for women with periods that come too often or too infrequently. Periods also tend to be lighter and shorter.
- Decrease risk of iron deficiency (anemia). Birth control pills reduce the amount of blood flow during the period. Less blood loss is helpful in preventing anemia.
- Reduce the risk of ovarian cysts. The risk of developing ovarian cysts is greatly reduced for birth control pills users because they help prevent ovulation. An ovarian cyst is a fluid – filled growth that can develop in the ovary during ovulation.
- Protection against pelvic inflammatory disease. Birth control pills provide some protection against pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Pelvic inflammatory disease is a serious bacterial infection of the fallopian tubes and uterus that can result in severe pain and potentially, infertility.
- Can improve acne. For moderate to severe acne, which over-the-counter and prescription medications can\’t cure, birth control pills may be prescribed. The hormones in the birth control pill can help stop acne from forming.
Risks & Disadvantages
