The Pros And Cons Of Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills are not just for the sexually active. It was designed to originally prevent pregnancy. It's original formula was an oral contraceptive pill. However, doctors and research have proven that taking birth control pills help many medical issues in women. Depending on the formula and dosage, birth control not only prevents unwanted pregnancy but gives women relief from issues regarding their menstruation cycle and reproductive diseases.
The birth control pill was first marketed in 1960 for one use and that was to prevent pregnancy. "Oral contraceptives (OCs) have been available for more than 40 years and are now the most common form of birth control in the United States." In addition to pills, there are now implants, patches
and a variety of other devices that work to prevent pregnancy. "The pill suppresses ovulation, thickens the cervical mucus (which blocks passage of the sperm), and alters the lining of the uterus preventing implantation of a fertilized egg." In its early stages there was controversy regarding the safety and long term effects of the oral contraceptive. "Perhaps the most widely researched drug in the history of therapeutics, the pill has been repeatedly shown to be safe and effective." It is through medical research the birth control pill has been found to have numerous medical advantages.
For centuries women have suffered during their menstruation cycle.
"When over-the-counter medication don't help with sever cramps, birth control pill may be the solution because they prevent ovulation and lighten periods." As a result, a lighter period with less cramping gives women a way to manage day to day activities. "There's some theoretical justification for reducing the number of periods a women has or eliminating them all together. For one thing, menstruation brings considerable discomfort to some women, including severe cramps, mood swings, headaches, and heavy bleeding which may result in anemia." Birth control pills give women relief from these symptoms. "Symptoms of PMS such as mood swings, breast soreness, weight gain, and bloating along with acne can occur up to 2 weeks before a young women's period. Birth control pills may be prescribed to stop ovulation and keep hormone level balanced." Women are more productive instead of focusing on the physical side effects of PMS and their menstruation
cycle.
Some critics of birth control pills claim that there is an increase risk for heart attacks and strokes.
In "Cruel Cunning." The Conservative Voice, July 3, 2007 by Judie Brown she states "we also find new reports that low dose birth control pills can increase the user's risk of heart attack or stroke. While this has been pointed out repeatedly over the years there is new evidence that makes the point a bit stronger than earlier studies. This review focuses on the fact that women who use the pill for extended periods of time are at a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular problems." As a result doctors are more aware and look for symptoms of cardiovascular problems. For this reason, opponents believe that long term use of birth control, especially in women over 45, should be stopped. Though they make a good point, the risk of heart attacks and strokes are very low compared to the many more studies that show the benefits of oral contraceptives, such as helping to protect from ovarian cysts, alleviating pain from endometriosis, and reducing ovarian cancer. "The odds of ovarian cancer were reduced by up to 80% among pill users, depending on the oral contraceptive formulation." Today the benefits outweigh the risks of taking oral contraceptives for protecting women prone to reproductive diseases and a variety of other menstrual
issues.
Low dosage birth control pills for women go beyond just preventing pregnancy. Though birth control pills in the early stages was for the prevention of pregnancy, research and studies have shown the many benefits of taking the pill. Relief from PMS, painful cramping, headaches, outbreak of acne, weight gain and many other side effects of a menstrual cycle. It goes beyond the menstrual cycle to be one of the number one prescribed medicine for the prevention of ovarian cancer, ovarian cysts and endometriosis. There will always be side effects to any medication, but in the case of birth control there are many more benefits to the pill and with doctors care it can give women an alternative to the pains and diseases associated with menstrual issues.