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What are the Benefits of Birth Control Pills?

Birth control pills are one of the most common and effective ways to prevent pregnancy, used by millions of women around the world. But their benefits go far beyond contraception. These pills can also help manage a variety of period-related and hormone-related concerns, like irregular cycles, heavy bleeding, painful cramps, acne, PCOS, and more.

Whether you’re thinking about using birth control for the first time or just want to better understand how it works, this blog will walk you through the basics. We’ll explain how birth control pills work, the types available, and the wide range of benefits they offer, helping you make an informed choice about what’s right for your body and your health.

Key Takeaways:

What is the Birth Control Pill?

What are the Benefits of Birth Control Pills? What is the Birth Control Pill? Why Do Women Use Birth Control Pills: Benefits of the Pill Preventing Pregnancy Managing Irregular Periods Skipping Periods Reducing Period Flow Reducing Period Cramps Managing PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) Symptoms Controlling Acne Easing PMS and PMDD Symptoms Supporting Endometriosis Management
Image by © areeya_ann/Shutterstock.com

Birth control pills, also known as oral contraceptive pills, are hormonal medications taken daily to prevent pregnancy. These contain synthetic versions of the natural female hormones estrogen and progesterone.

There are two main types of birth control pills - combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs), which contain both estrogen and progestin (the synthetic form of progesterone), and progestin-only pills (POPs), which contain only progestin. COCPs are the most commonly used type of birth control pill, whereas POPs are usually recommended for women who cannot take estrogen due to medical reasons.

Why Do Women Use Birth Control Pills: Benefits of the Pill

While birth control pills are mainly known for preventing pregnancy, many women use them for other important health reasons too. Because they offer both contraceptive and non-contraceptive benefits, birth control pills have become a common and trusted option for improving everyday health and quality of life.

Preventing Pregnancy

The primary benefit of birth control pills is preventing an unintended pregnancy. These pills do so by:

  • Stopping the release of an egg from the ovary each month (a process known as ovulation), which prevents the fertilisation of the egg by the sperm and the start of a possible pregnancy.

  • Thickening the cervical mucus, which makes it more difficult for the sperm to reach the egg.

  • Thinning the inner lining of the uterus, which prevents a fertilised egg from attaching, growing and developing into a pregnancy.

Birth control pills are over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy when used correctly and consistently.

Managing Irregular Periods

What are the Benefits of Birth Control Pills? What is the Birth Control Pill? Why Do Women Use Birth Control Pills: Benefits of the Pill Preventing Pregnancy Managing Irregular Periods Skipping Periods Reducing Period Flow Reducing Period Cramps Managing PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) Symptoms Controlling Acne Easing PMS and PMDD Symptoms Supporting Endometriosis Management

Hormonal imbalance or certain health conditions can cause periods to become irregular for many women. Since birth control pills are taken consistently and in a fixed order, these pills help regulate hormone levels, thereby regulating periods and the menstrual cycle.

Combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs): Most COCPs are taken daily, in 21+7 or 24+4 dosing regimens, with 21 or 24 active pills (that contain hormones), and 7 or 4 days, respectively, of no pills or inactive pills (that do not contain hormones). During the inactive pills or the no-pill break, a period-like withdrawal bleeding occurs. Due to this structured pill schedule, the bleeding usually happens at the scheduled time every month. In this way, COCPs help make the periods and menstrual cycle more regular and predictable.

Progestin-only pills (POPs): POPs are taken daily for 28 days. Most POPs are available in a 28-day dosing regimen with 28 active pills and no inactive pills or pill-free breaks. Some POPs are available in a 24+4 dosing regimen, with 24 active pills and 4 inactive pills. While POPs may also help regulate cycles for some women, these are more often associated with irregular bleeding, especially during the first few months. However, over time, some users experience fewer and lighter periods while using POPs.

Skipping Periods

Many women prefer to skip their periods for special occasions, medical reasons, or relief from painful or heavy periods. Birth control pills can help make this possible by controlling the hormones that trigger periods. Using birth control pills to skip periods is generally safe.

Combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs): COCPs are the most effective for skipping periods. Taking the active pills continuously without the 7 or 4-days of no pills or inactive pills can help delay or skip the period.

Progestin-only pills (POPs): POPs are taken for 28 days without a break, so there are no specific "period days." Many women using POPs experience irregular periods, especially during the first few months. While you can't "plan" to skip a period by using POPs, the way you can with COCPs, some women naturally stop getting periods over time. Read more here.

Reducing Period Flow

Some women have a heavy period flow, a condition known as menorrhagia, which can cause fatigue, discomfort, or even anaemia (a condition where the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells due to low iron levels). Managing heavy bleeding is important for both comfort and long-term health. Birth control pills can help by thinning the uterine lining and balancing hormone levels, which leads to less bleeding and shorter periods.

Combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs): COCPs work by preventing the lining of the uterus from becoming too thick. With less tissue building up each month, there is less to shed during a period. This makes bleeding lighter, shorter, and more manageable. Many women with heavy periods find COCPs helpful for improving daily life and reducing the risk of iron deficiency.

Progestin-only pills (POPs): POPs also reduce period flow by thinning the uterine lining. While results vary, some women may notice that their periods become much lighter or even stop altogether after a few months of continuous use. However, it’s also common to experience irregular spotting during the adjustment period.

Reducing Period Cramps

Period pain, or dysmenorrhea, is often caused by strong contractions in the uterus triggered by chemicals called prostaglandins. Birth control pills can help reduce these prostaglandins and make periods less painful. Using birth control pills for dysmenorrhea or period cramps can be particularly helpful for teens and adults who experience cramps that interfere with daily activities, such as work, school, or sleep.

Combined Oral Contraceptive Pills (COCPs): By stabilising hormone levels, lowering prostaglandin levels, and thinning the uterine lining, COCPs make uterine contractions less severe. This typically results in milder cramps or even pain-free periods for many women.

Progestin-Only Pills (POPs): POPs can also help reduce cramping by thinning the uterine lining and reducing the amount of uterine muscle activity required to shed it. Although results vary, some women notice a marked decrease in period pain after consistent use.

Managing PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) Symptoms

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that often causes irregular periods, acne, excess facial or body hair, and ovarian cysts. These symptoms occur due to higher levels of androgens in people with PCOS.

Combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs): COCPs help lower androgen levels, regulate periods, reduce acne, and slow excess hair growth. Hence, these are often recommended for women with PCOS.

Progestin-only pills (POPs): While POPs don't reduce androgen levels significantly, these can help manage irregular periods by thinning the uterine lining. POPs may be useful in reducing long-term risks related to infrequent periods, although they’re less effective than COCPs for treating PCOS symptoms like acne or excess hair growth.

Controlling Acne

What are the Benefits of Birth Control Pills? What is the Birth Control Pill? Why Do Women Use Birth Control Pills: Benefits of the Pill Preventing Pregnancy Managing Irregular Periods Skipping Periods Reducing Period Flow Reducing Period Cramps Managing PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) Symptoms Controlling Acne Easing PMS and PMDD Symptoms Supporting Endometriosis Management
Image by Freepik

Hormonal acne is a common problem, especially during puberty or times of hormonal change. It is often caused by excess androgens, which are male hormones like testosterone that are also naturally found in women. These androgens increase oil (sebum) production in the skin, which can clog pores and lead to pimples, blackheads, or painful cystic acne.

Combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs): The estrogen in COCPs boosts the production of a protein called sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which attaches to testosterone in the bloodstream and reduces its activity. This helps the oil glands in the skin slow down, leading to fewer breakouts over time. It can take a few months of consistent use to see noticeable results, but COCPs are widely prescribed for women with moderate to severe hormonal acne, especially when other treatments have not worked.

Progestin-only pills (POPs): POPs do not contain estrogen, which means they do not reduce androgen levels in the same way. As a result, POPs are not usually recommended for treating acne, especially for women who are prone to oily skin or breakouts. In some cases, acne may stay the same or even worsen while using POPs.

Easing PMS and PMDD Symptoms

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) are conditions that affect many women in the days leading up to their period. PMS includes a range of emotional and physical symptoms like mood swings, bloating, fatigue, and irritability, etc. PMDD is a more severe form that can cause intense depression, anxiety, and emotional distress, significantly impacting daily functioning.

Combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs): COCPs are often used to help ease these symptoms. By stabilising hormonal changes throughout the cycle, COCPs can reduce the intensity and frequency of both PMS and PMDD. Some formulations containing drospirenone, a type of progestin, are especially effective, as they have anti-androgenic properties and can improve mood-related symptoms.

Progestin-only pills (POPs): POPs may also offer symptom relief for some women, particularly those unable to take estrogen due to medical reasons. While POPs may not regulate mood as effectively as COCPs, they still stabilise hormones which helps reduce the overall severity of PMS and PMDD in some users.

Supporting Endometriosis Management

Endometriosis is a chronic condition where tissue similar to the inner lining of the uterus (also known as endometrium) grows outside the uterus, causing pain, heavy bleeding, and sometimes fertility issues. While birth control pills do not cure endometriosis, they can significantly reduce discomfort and improve day-to-day life for many people dealing with this condition.

Combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs): COCPs can help manage these symptoms by suppressing ovulation and stabilising hormone levels, which slows the growth of this tissue. These pills also thin the uterine lining and can reduce or even stop periods when used continuously, helping lessen both bleeding and pain over time.

Progestin-only pills (POPs): POPs can also be effective for managing endometriosis. These pills work by thinning the endometrial lining and reducing or stopping menstrual bleeding, though the extent of symptom relief may vary. POPs are often recommended for long-term management, especially for those who cannot take estrogen due to medical conditions.

Conclusion

Birth control pills can do much more than preventing pregnancy. For many women, these pills bring relief and improve everyday life. However, the effects of birth control pills can vary. Some women may find COCPs helpful, while others may prefer POPs. The right choice depends on your health goals and medical history. It is important to talk to a doctor before using birth control pills. The doctor can guide you based on your health needs.




Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Do birth control pills make you look younger?

    There is no strong evidence to suggest that birth control pills make you look younger. However, they do help with clearer the skin by managing acne-related concerns.

  • Are birth control pills better than condoms?

    Birth control pills are more effective at preventing pregnancy when taken correctly, but they do not protect against STIs. Condoms are less effective at preventing pregnancy but do provide protection against STIs. For maximum protection, many people use both methods together.

  • Does the pill change your body shape?

    Research shows that birth control pills do not change body shape. Some women report slight weight gain, but this is usually due to water retention in the body, not fat gain. Most women do not experience any lasting weight or shape changes.

  • How effective are birth control pills?

    When taken correctly and consistently everyday, birth control pills are more than 99% effective.

Important

This blog, including its text, images, and infographics, is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. For personalised advice, always consult a doctor.

Further Reading

For more details on this or related topics, refer to the papers listed in references below, or check out the other blogs on our website dulycare.in.

References

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