Potentially Surprising Reasons People Take Birth Control!

Research shows that more than half of people who use birth control pills use them for reasons other than JUST pregnancy prevention. Combined hormonal birth control pills (COCs) (meaning pills that have both estrogen and progesterone) can treat various medical conditions.   

Here are some reasons that might surprise you why people may take combined birth control pills: 

Reducing Acne 

Birth control pills can help with acne. The normal hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle are often major acne triggers. Birth control pills level out those fluctuations and also act at the level of the skin to decrease acne.  They are very effective acne fighters!   

Regulating Menstrual Cycles 

Birth control pills can help to regulate timing of menstrual cycles as well as make periods lighter. Some menstrual issues like irregular and heavy bleeding are caused by hormonal fluctuations, so hormonal birth control can help to level out hormones AND thin the uterine lining to make periods lighter and more regular.  

Managing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) 

Birth control pills can be helpful in treating PCOS because they provide uterine protection, control periods, and decrease acne and unwanted hair growth.   

Reducing Cancer Risk  

Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) can the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer by up to 50%. Ovarian cancer protection comes from stopping ovulation, which can up the chance for ovarian cancer to occur (in some people). The prevention from uterine cancer comes from the pill thinning out the uterine lining. Less buildup of uterine tissue means a lower risk of developing uterine cancer.  

Mitigating PMS Symptoms  

PMS symptoms including fatigue, mood swings, irritability, bloating, and breast tenderness are typically caused by a change in hormones that happens in the second half of the menstrual cycle. By regulating those hormones throughout the month, birth control pills can mitigate these pesky symptoms.  

Lessening Period Pain 

Because birth control pills prevent ovulation, they also decrease the natural chemicals (prostaglandins) that make the uterus contract during your period. Since uterine contractions are the primary cause of period pain, birth control pills can lessen period pain. 

There are tons of reasons that someone might be on birth control that have nothing to do with preventing pregnancy! Birth control pills help many people mitigate and treat medical conditions and can be a great tool (like many medications) to help medical providers give you the care that you need! 

If you have any troublesome menstrual symptoms or want to go on birth control, schedule an appointment online at www.bridgercare.org or call 406-587-0681!