Birth Control Pills

One second may change the life of a woman entirely. She could become the mother of an unwanted pregnancy. This, most of the time makes them more than nervous. Birth control pills come in place to help them avoid this stressful moment. The pills have been in place for more than 55 years now as one of the most effective birth control method (National Cancer Institute, 2010). More than 80% of the American women today have used it (Greenfield, 2009). Its effectiveness rates at 99%if used in the correct way (National Cancer Institute, 2010). However, there have been misconceptions that associate the pill with breast cancer. The pill does not pose any danger to the woman’s health but instead provides an added advantage since it prevents ovarian cancer. The pill could also be used breastfeeding mothers though there are a few disadvantages to its use during such a period. The birth control pill is generally good for all women.

The birth control pills are divided into two group. The first group consists of estrogen and progestin (synthetic progesterone). The second group is made up of the progestin-only drugs. women’s ovaries produce progesterone and estrogen (Greenfield, 2009). The pill, therefore, contains the same hormones as the body. According to the National Cancer Institute (2010), estrogen is the hormone associated with sexual activeness in mature women. The hormone also makes the uterus walls thicker when menstrual cycle begins. The walls are then ready to receive a fertilized egg with the help of the progesterone. The pill comes in handy to give the woman the right amount of the hormone to prevent them from becoming pregnant. Planned parenting (2011), explained estrogen as the hormone that prevents the ovaries from producing eggs hence the first group of pills is necessary. Progestin-only pills thicken the cervical mucus to prevent fertilization from happening. The hormones are not harmful to the body but make it behave in a different way.

The pill not only prevents unwanted pregnancies but also enhances the condition of the skin (National Cancer Institute, 2010). Research shows that those women who use the birth control pills have fewer problems with acne and the excess hair on their face and body. Those who use the pill are also at a lesser risk of suffering from ovarian cysts and anemia (Planned Parenthood, 2011). The pill has uncountable benefits since it is also a solution to painful menstrual flows. It makes the flow lighter and fewer cramps are felt.

The claim that the birth control pills is a major cause of the breast cancer is a blunder. The study has shown that not only women who are at their 20’s or 30’s but also those in their 50’s and 60’s the risk of getting breast cancer. This is according to the New England Journal of Medicine that goes on to add that 87% of the women diagnosed with breast+ cancer had not used the birth control pills at any particular time.

The pill, however, has a few disadvantages all the same. It makes women who use it suffer from terrible headaches and feel sick. They may also experience bleeding during the month as well (Greenfield, 2009). These are some of the major typical side effects of the birth control pills but they usually disappear within three months. The reason of these changes within three months is the increase in the progesterone and estrogen.

In conclusion, using the birth control pill is a safe method of avoiding unwanted pregnancies. The pill has additional health benefits to women both health-wise and physically. The develop fair skins and hairs as much as they avoid unwanted pregnancies. The pill has proved helpful and has succeeded in the prevention of ovarian cancer, moreover, there is little danger connected to the breast cancer. The pill is not harmful to the lactating mothers in any way. On the other hand, there are some risk groups that should be careful when using the pills since there may be some few minor negative effects. Oral contraceptives should not be seen as jeopardy to women but as a personal choice.

References

Greenfield M. (2009). Postpartum Birth Control Options. Dr. Spork Science Daily

National Cancer Institute. (2010, November 2.). Cancer Facts: Oral Contraceptives and Cancer Risk [fact sheet].

Planned Parenthood. (2011, November). You and the pill. (36^th ed.), Pearson Education