What Are the Benefits of Birth Control Pills?

What Are the Benefits of Birth Control Pills?

Taking the pill is simple, safe, and convenient. It does not interfere with having sex. Many women say it improves their sex lives because it helps them feel more spontaneous.

Women who do not need birth control often choose to take the pill for the other benefits it offers. Combination and progestin-only pills

• reduce menstrual cramps
• make periods lighter 
• offer some protection against pelvic inflammatory disease, which often leads to infertility when left untreated

The combination pill offers many other benefits, including some protection against

• acne
• bone thinning
• breast growths that are not cancer
• ectopic pregnancy
• endometrial and ovarian cancers
• serious infection in the ovaries, tubes, and uterus
• iron deficiency anemia
• cysts in the breasts and ovaries
• premenstrual symptoms, including headaches and depression
• bad cramps
• heavy and/or irregular periods

Combination pills can be used to control when and how often you have your period. Some pills are specially packaged for women to have only a few periods a year. Other pills can also be used continuously to prevent having periods. With these pills, women take an active pill every day to keep from getting their periods. It is normal for them to have spotting or bleeding the first 6 months. It may get less over time. Some stop having any bleeding at all. This is normal and will not harm your body. But it’s a good idea to get tested if you think you might be pregnant.