A significant number of women across the UK have used the contraceptive pill at one given point in their reproductive years. Most of them prefer using the birth control pill for its immediate benefits in preventing pregnancy. However, many users of the pill are unfamiliar with the various non-contraceptive advantages that come with this birth control technique. Generally, hormonal contraception, including the pill, offers a wide range of benefits beyond birth control. This post highlights some of the lesser-known benefits of using the birth control pill.
Regulation of Menstrual Cycles
Hormonal pregnancy prevention methods, such as the birth control pill, can be used to balance the hormonal fluctuations experienced throughout a menstrual cycle. As a result, women using the pill can manage various menstrual issues like heavy bleeding and irregular periods. Ideally, birth control pills should help you achieve more regular and lighter periods.
Lowered Risk of Various Cancers
One of the long-term benefits of using a birth control pill is the minimized risk of some cancers. Such cancers include the following;
Uterine or Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial cancer is one of the most common forms of gynecological cancer, accounting for over 5 percent of all cancers in women annually in the UK. Clinically, the birth control pill can also be used to induce protective effects against uterine cancer.
Ovarian Cancer
This is a type of cancer developing in the ovary. Ovarian cancer is the sixth most common cancer type, affecting over 7,000 women in the UK every year. Studies reveal that using the birth control pill lowers the ovarian cancer risk by 30 to 50 percent. These protective effects are said to increase with continued usage of the pill.
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer, well known as colon cancer, is a cancer type that develops from the colon or the rectum. Using the birth control pill helps in reducing the risk of colon cancer.
Controlled Hormonal Acne
Acne is a condition affecting the skin by forming inflamed, red lesions, blackheads, and whiteheads. Acne is commonly triggered by hormonal fluctuations, which is why the condition is common during adolescence. One of the key triggers of acne is the high levels of androgen hormones, which increase oil secretion and the size of the sebum glands. Using birth control pills helps reduce the levels of androgen in the body, effectively fighting acne. Continued use of this pregnancy prevention pill may even enhance smooth and clearer skin over time.
Hormonal pills are also useful in controlling hirsutism, a condition that causes excessive hair growth.
Relief from Menstrual Migraines
Menstrual migraine is an intense headache that occurs before or during your periods. The migraine is associated with the hormonal changes experienced during this period, particularly the drop in progesterone and estrogen levels. Hormonal birth control methods, such as the contraceptive pill, help in lowering the hormonal fluctuations linked to migraine attacks.
Again, consistent usage of the birth control pill allows you to skip a period. As a result, the hormonal drop is controlled, bringing relief to migraine victims.
Relieved Symptoms of PMS and PMDD
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a mix of emotional and physical symptoms that occur a few days or weeks to the beginning of the menstrual cycle. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), on the other hand, is an acute form of premenstrual syndrome, affecting the psychological and emotional well-being of the victim. The hormonal fluctuations experienced throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle are a primary trigger of PMS and PMDD. Hormonal contraception pills have been scientifically proven to offer relief to these conditions. Consistent use of the pill will consequently calm down the acute effects of these two disorders.