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Uses of Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills are an extremely effective form of contraceptive, but they also have been proven to aid in the treatment of other menstrual-related problems, as well as some problems which are not connected in any way with the reproductive system (acne).

Birth control pills are prescribed almost as much for the alternative uses as they are for preventing pregnancy.

  1. The Facts

    • Since their introduction in the 1950s, birth control pills have undergone many improvements and some changes. As a result, birth control pills are now prescribed for many other reasons. These include treatment of PMS and PMDD, regulation of periods (flow, duration and frequency) treatment of endometriosis and---the very latest---treatment of acne.

    Significance

    • Birth control pills that are used for contraception will be slightly different than those used for other reasons. The levels of hormones in them may be slightly higher in pills prescribed for preventing pregnancy, but much lower in those that are being used to treat acne or other problems.

    Effects

    • When birth control pills are used to regulate a woman's menstrual cycle, she will have one period per month, or four per year, depending on which type of pill she is on. This reduces or eliminates the problem of irregular periods. Birth control pills also cause the menstrual flow to be lighter and periods to be shorter.

      PMS and PMDD occur because of hormone level fluctuations. Because birth control pills maintain a steady level of hormones, the fluctuations do not occur, and the symptoms are diminished or sometimes eliminated all together.

      Endometriosis occurs when the lining of the uterus becomes attached to other pelvic organs. This causes pain, because no matter where the lining is, it reacts the same whenever the woman has a period. Birth control pills relieve this by decreasing the amount of uterine tissue that is formed.

      Fluctuating hormones also cause acne. Because of this, and because the birth control pill works to regulate hormone levels, some women see improvement in their acne when they take it.

    Benefits

    • Women whose periods are regulated by the birth control do not run as high a risk of being anemic, something that can occur when bleeding is too frequent or too heavy. They also are able to enjoy a better quality of life because they do not have to constantly worry about frequent pad and/or tampon changes.

      PMS and PMDD symptoms can sometimes actually be severe enough, that for some women, their lives are literally interrupted a few days each month. When symptoms are controlled, this does not occur.

    Warning

    • Birth control pills do have side effects, such as nausea and weight gain. While some women do eventually adjust to the pill and side effects, some do not. Also, the risk of blood clots is higher in women who are over 35 and are smokers. Women who fall in this category should either quit smoking or should not take the pill.

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