When taken correctly, birth control is 99 percent effective in preventing unwanted pregnancy. Nevertheless, did you know that about 14 percent of women in the United States take birth control only for other reasons? Professionals on birth control in San Antonio will help you navigate the choices available to you and their benefits to your health.

The advantages of birth control span far beyond contraception. Hormonal contraception can have positive effects on your skin, menstrual cycle, and risk of some cancers. Below is a list of 6 benefits of birth control outside contraception:

1. Clear Skin

 

Many women struggle with acne throughout their teenage years and sometimes into adulthood. Acne is primarily triggered by fluctuations in androgen levels in the body. Androgen is the hormone that facilitates oil production in the skin.

 

Using hormonal birth control can give clear and supple skin. According to health experts, combination birth control pills, which contain both estrogen and progestin, can lower the body’s levels of androgen. They can, thus, reduce the amount and severity of acne breakout.

 

Birth control pills also can reduce excess hair growth on your chin, above your lip, or between your breasts.

 

2. Regular Periods

Some women experience irregular and unpredictable menstrual cycles for reasons such as stress, weight change, or medication. Birth control pills can help you regulate your period, so you know when it’s coming.

Most birth control pills allow you to take hormone-containing pills for three weeks and inactive pills in the fourth week. The inactive pills trigger your period.

Some options offer 24 active pills and 4 inactive pills so you can shorten your cycle. You can also decide to hold off on your period for 3 months or even 1 year.

 

3. Less Painful Periods

Your period can be a cause of concern every month, especially if you experience painful cramps. According to a survey by the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, more than 50 percent of women experience one or two days of pain during their period.

Hormonal birth control pills reduce the levels of prostaglandins produced by the body, which in turn prevents the uterus lining from thickening. This also results in lighter, less painful periods.

 

4. Lower Risk of Uterine and Ovarian Cancer

In 2016, 22,000 women were diagnosed with ovarian cancer, which is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. According to research, however, women who take hormonal birth control pills have a 50 percent reduced risk rate of developing this condition. Additionally, this effect continues up to 30 years after you stop taking the pills and only increases the more you take the pills.

5. Improved Reproductive Health

Reproductive health conditions can cause you to have heavy or irregular periods, weight gain, lower back and stomach pain, and issues with infertility, among others.

Hormonal birth control methods have been proven to ease the symptoms of health conditions like endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and ovarian cysts. They do this by regulating your menstrual flow and releasing vital hormones in your body. Hormonal oral options, for example, can slow the growth and regrowth of tissues and cysts in your uterus.

6. Reduced Risk of Anemia

Heavy bleeding during your period can increase your risk of anemia. Anemia reduces the number of red blood cells available to carry oxygen around your body, which leads to weakness and fatigue.

Hormonal contraceptive methods that let you skip your period can help to prevent period-related anemia.

 

Final Thoughts

Hormonal birth control does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections. If STI prevention is vital to you and your partner, you should also use protective barriers like condoms during sexual activity.

Additionally, birth control may not be beneficial to every woman. Contraceptive pills can increase the risk of high blood pressure and blood clots in women who smoke.

Consequently, it is essential to consult with your doctor before picking a birth control method to use.