Most women use birth control pills to avoid pregnancy, however, their benefits aren't just limited to this. You can even use it to regulate your menstrual cycle and hormones. But before you start taking these pills, you should also be aware of the side effects associated with it. We spoke to our experts Dr B Menaka, Senior Gynecologist, Kamineni Hospitals, LB Nagar, Hyderabad and Dr Bratati Bhattacharya, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata, who listed the pros and cons of taking birth control pills.
Pros of Birth Control Pills
Management of Menstrual Conditions
Dr Menaka said, “Birth control pills offer relief from conditions, such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, effectively reducing the pain associated with menstrual symptoms.” Dr Bhattacharya added, “Women using birth control pills often experience better management of period cramps and pain. These pills can also reduce blood loss during menstruation, potentially alleviating iron deficiency anaemia caused by excessive menstrual flow.”
Regularity in Menstrual Cycles
Dr Menaka added, “Women using birth control pills often experience regular and predictable menstrual cycles, which can be helpful for event planning and daily life management.”
Also Read: Gut Health And Menstrual Cycle: Expert Explains How Poor Gut Health Causes Irregular Periods
Hormone Regulation
These pills help regulate hormones, lowering the risk of hormonal imbalances and the associated health issues. Dr Bhattacharya added, “Contrary to the myth of weight gain, modern pills contain low oestrogen content, minimising the risk of weight gain.”
Emergency Contraception
Dr Menaka highlighted, “In emergencies, a higher dosage of birth control pills can serve as a form of emergency contraception within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse.”
Efficacy
Dr Bhattacharya said, “Birth control pills have a high level of efficacy, with 100% effectiveness when used as directed, making them a reliable contraceptive method compared to alternatives like condoms.”
Non-Invasive Method
Dr Menaka said that unlike some other birth control methods like Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) or implants, birth control pills do not require invasive procedures.
Ease of Discontinuation
Women can stop using birth control pills at any time without the need for medical intervention.
Also Read: Take Control of Your Menstrual Cycle: Doctor Shares Truth About Period Delaying Pills in Detail
Cons of Birth Control Pills
Our experts listed the following risks associated with birth control pills:
- Daily Consistency: Dr Menaka informed us that birth control pills require strict daily consistency for maximum effectiveness.
- Side Effects: They can cause side effects, including headaches, mood swings, and changes in libido.
- Increased Pregnancy Risk: Missing a tablet increases the risk of pregnancy.
- No Protection Against STIs: Birth control pills do not protect against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
- Initial Irregular Bleeding: Some women may experience frustrating initial irregular bleeding.
- Health Risks: Dr Menaka said, “There is a slight risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart disease, especially for smokers or individuals over 35 with pre-existing cardiovascular issues.” According to StatPearls, oral contraceptive pills have the potential to induce hypertension in approximately 4-5% of healthy women and worsen hypertension in around 9-16% of women who already have pre-existing hypertension.
- Medical Conditions: Dr Bhattacharya said, “Patients with hypertension, heart difficulties, diabetes, or liver problems are not advised to take birth control pills. It is crucial to consult a gynaecologist who can prescribe the pills based on the patient's medical history and current health conditions.”
- Digestive Issues: Digestive problems like diarrhoea can reduce the effectiveness of the pills.
- Fertility Resumption: After discontinuation, it may take some time for fertility to resume its normal cycle.
- Individual Tolerance: Some individuals may not tolerate hormonal contraceptives well.
Bottomline
Dr Menaka said, “The decision to use birth control pills should be made based on individual needs and preferences.” Dr Bhattacharya suggested, “It's essential to be aware of potential side effects and to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the suitability of birth control pills based on individual health considerations.”
[Disclaimer: The information in this article is shared by a registered healthcare professional and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert before taking birth control pills.]