If your OBGYN has said you're unable to have children, you may still want to talk with them about birth control pills. Birth control pills offer many benefits besides just contraception. And, even in infertile women, they may be a smart option.
There are many types of birth control pills, but most are a combination of estrogen and progestin-based therapies. The benefits and side effects can vary depending on the exact brand of birth control. However, most birth control pills offer some or all of the following benefits:
6. Make Periods Lighter and more Predictable
Birth control pills may reduce the number of periods that you have, and they may help lessen the symptoms of your period such as menstrual cramps. Plus, they may significantly reduce the amount of flow you experience during your period.
5. Improve Acne
When you take birth control pills, your complexion may improve. The hormones inside the pills can do a bit of wonder on your face, reducing both the number and severity of pimples and blemishes.
4. Limit Unwanted Hair Growth in Women
A woman who must deal with a five o'clock shadow may experience embarrassment, not to mention the inconvenience of regular hair removal. Thanks to the estrogen involved, taking birth control pills may limit the amount of plucking and pruning of unwanted facial hairs done by many who are struggling with this problem.
3. Reduce the Risk of Colorectal Cancer
Taking birth control reduces the chance of women getting colorectal cancer by 18%.
2. Reduce the Risk of Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial cancer is caused by the runaway growth of the malignant cells in the uterus. This kind of cancer is most commonly found in women who are over 55. However, younger women can reduce their chance of developing endometrial cancer when they get older by 50% by taking birth control pills.
1. Reduce the Risk of Ovarian Cancer
In its early stages, women often experience no symptoms from ovarian cancer, which makes it that much scarier. However, women can cut their risk for developing ovarian cancer in half by taking birth control. Furthermore, this benefit seems to remain even if they stop taking birth control at some point in the future.
Final Thoughts
Birth control pills are certainly not right for all women, whether they're fertile or unfertile. But, the benefits of birth control beyond contraception have been scientifically well-established. Therefore, they're probably worth discussing with your OBGYN, even if you don't need them for contraception.
