23 Main Pros and Cons of Birth Control

Birth control methods are used by many women. They are safe and convenient and actually have several benefits, other than just preventing pregnancies. Pills and shots are the two most common methods of birth control. While they effectively preven unwanted pregnancies, they also reduce hormonal imbalances, regulate menstrual cycles and help women have a healthy sex life without complications.

If you wish to use birth control methods, then you will have to consult with your gynecologist. After checking your hormonal balances, and other related conditions, your gynecologist will prescribe you a pill or shot which then you will have to take regularly. 

Benefits of Birth ControlDrawbacks of Birth Control
Birth control pills or shots are effective ways to prevent pregnancyYou can get pregnant immediately after you stop taking your birth control pill or shot
Birth control pills help reduce menstrual crampsBirth control pills cannot be bought without a doctor’s prescription
Birth control pills or shots lower the risk of ectopic pregnancyBirth control shots often stop the menstrual cycle
Birth control methods prevent infections in the fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterusYou might end up gaining weight
Birth control pills often help in regulating the menstrual cycleBirth control methods often lead to nausea and headaches
Birth control pills reduce acneBirth control pills or shots do not protect against STDs
Birth control shots reduce the risk of uterine cancer

Advantages of Birth Control

  • Birth control pills or shots are effective ways to prevent pregnancy:

All birth control methods (pills and shots) are very effective and convenient. Once you start taking the pill or the shot, you will not have to worry about getting pregnant. The risk is reduced considerably as long as you keep taking the pill or the shot. 

birth control pills are effective ways to prevent pregnancy
  • Birth control pills help reduce menstrual cramps:

Many women deal with severe cramps, before and during menstruations. These cramps can be very painful and continue throughout the cycle. Once they start taking birth control pills, these cramps lessen considerably. They do not have to suffer from any cramps or such premenstrual syndromes. 

do birth control pills help reduce menstrual cramps
  • Birth control pills or shots lower the risk of ectopic pregnancy:

In an ectopic pregnancy the fertilised egg is implanted outside the uterus. Now, it cannot survive outside the uterus and therefore can cause severe loss of blood and damage to other organs. Women you take birth control pills or shots usually do not suffer from ectopic pregnancies. 

  • Birth control methods prevent infections in the fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterus:

Birth control methods have many health benefits. One major benefit is that it prevents infections. You might develop infections in your uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries and they can lead to several complications, including life threatening ones. However, birth control methods reduce the risk of that. 

  • Birth control pills often help in regulating the menstrual cycle:

Problems during menstruations are common and for many, the cycles are irregular. Taking a birth control pill regularly, can help with these problems. You will have regular periods and the flow will be rather normal, not too heavy or too light. 

  • Birth control pills reduce acne:

Acne is caused due to various reasons, but one of the most common reasons is hormonal problems. Birth control pills become rather useful in this case. They reduce the problems and prevent breakouts. You will find that your acne has cleared in a few weeks after taking the pills. 

  • Birth control shots reduce the risk of uterine cancer:

Uterine cancer is a rare form of cancer but it still affects several women. Birth control shots can be effective in preventing the development of uterine cancer, or at least reducing the risk of it. If you are on the shot, then you will not have to worry about uterine cancer. 

Disadvantages of Birth Control

  • You can get pregnant immediately after you stop taking your birth control pill or shot:

The birth control pill or the shot is temporary. If you forget to take your pill or the shot, you might get pregnant the very next time you have sex without any protection. This can be a problem if you miss the pill or the shot by mistake. 

can get pregnant immediately after you stop taking your birth control pill
  • Birth control pills cannot be bought without a doctor’s prescription:

You will need a doctor’s prescription to buy birth control pills. They are not over-the-counter (OTC) medications. You will have to visit a gynecologist and have him or her prescribe the pills before you can buy them at your local medicine store or online. 

  • Birth control shots often stop the menstrual cycle:

Birth control methods can stop heavy periods or regulate the flow. However, birth control shots can end up stopping the flow completely. Your menstrual cycle is not supposed to stop at all. This is absolutely not normal and can cause many problems.  

birth control pills can have a negative impact on the menstrual cycle
  • You might end up gaining weight:

The birth control pill or shot affects the hormones and this can lead to hormonal imbalance. Sudden weight gain is one the most common consequences of such hormonal imbalances. It does not happen to every woman, but is still quite common among those who have to deal with certain side effects. 

  • Birth control methods often lead to nausea and headaches:

There are many side effects of using birth control. You might feel nauseous when you first start tracking the pill or get on the shot. Some women also experience severe headaches while using these methods. These side effects can prove to be quite difficult to get rid of and rather exhausting. 

  • Birth control pills or shots do not protect against STDs:

Birth control methods are only effective when you want to prevent a pregnancy. However, unlike other methods, they do not protect against STDs. You will need to use condoms or other other barrier methods in order to have safe sex. 

Birth control methods are not absolutely safe. It is actually quite temporary. If you forget to take your pill or miss a shot, you can become pregnant. Many also suffer from hormonal imbalances due to these methods.

However, if you talk to your doctor and discuss all existing problems and conditions, then you can get a method that is suitable. If you stick to the schedule, you will not have worry. 

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