Birth Control-What Does It Mean?

“Birth control is another word /term used for contraception or fertility control and also referred to as family planning .” Birth control has been used since ancient times, but safe and proper methods only became possible in the 20th century.

Today many more women of reproductive age are using some form of contraception than in 1990. According to a survey in 2019 by (PRB) Population Reference Bureau, USA 62%of married women ages (15-49)use method of family planning and 56% use modern methods.

About 222 million women who want to avoid pregnancy in developing countries are not using modern birth control method. Birth control use in developing countries has decreased the number of deaths by 40% ( about 270,000 death prevented in 2008) and could stop 70% if the full demand for birth control were met.

Is Birth Control a Necessity?

“Perhaps the greatest importance of the family in these days of contraceptive s is that it preserves the habit of having children”. ~Bertrand Russell 

Birth control is not necessary for women unless it depends upon the consequences of thickly populated countries like India to reduce the family size or population or to prevent getting a sexually transmitted disease like HIV.

The most common reason US women use oral contraceptives pills is to prevent pregnancy, but 14% of medicines users – 1.5 million women rely on them exclusively for non-contraceptive purposes.

Pro’ s/Benefits of Birth Control:

Women have been enjoying the advantages of contraception since 19 May 1960 approved by US, Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There are various methods of birth control which has numerous benefits, but the main advantages of all of them are as follows.

1. Regulates Menstrual Cycle:

Hormonal birth control method helps to balance the hormonal fluctuations that happen throughout your cycle. It also helps with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) symptoms, including acne and excess hair.

2. Reduces Risk of Uterine Cancer:

Hormonal birth control also has some long term benefits. Those who take combination pills are 50% less likely to have uterine cancer, and these effects last longer up to 20 years.

3. Reduces Risk of Ovarian Cyst:

During ovulation in ovaries, small fluid-filled sacs are formed called ovarian cysts. They are not dangerous, but they can be painful. Women suffering from (PCOS) often have a large number of small cysts in their ovaries.

By preventing ovulation, these cysts stop forming and also stop former cysts from regrowing.

4. Helps to Manage Endometriosis:

Endometriosis is a condition where the endometrium ( a tissue lining in the uterus ) bleeds during periods, no matter where it is located. When the tissue flows in places where blood can ‘t quickly get out of your body, it causes pain and inflammation.

Birth control method helps to prevent these pain and inflammation by skipping your periods.

5. Helps to Prevent Menstrual Migraines:

A migraine is an intense type of headache that affects almost 30 million Americans _ 75% of those being women. In some people, migraine happens mainly because of hormonal changes and hit you just before your period starts. Birth control methods also help to fight against migraines by skipping periods.

6. Reduces Risk of Anemia:

Some women experience weighty bleeding during their periods. This can increase the risk of anaemia. People with anaemia don’t have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen around their body, which can cause weakness and fatigue.

Hormonal birth control methods that allow you to skip your period can help to prevent period related – anaemia. 

Cons/ Side effects of Birth Control:

It is essential to use your birth control methods as directed by your doctor’s. If you skip your pills or do some slight changes in your pattern that will cause specific side effects. Few main are follows.

 1. Cancer Risk:

The female hormone that occurs naturally seems to be affected by these methods that raise the chances of getting severe cancers like breast cancer, cervical cancer and most common liver cancer. Breast cancer is most likely to have if the women are using in her teenage year.

2. Nausea:

Some people experience mild nausea when first taking the pill, but symptoms usually subside after the while. Tanking the medicine with food or at bedtime may help. If nausea is severe or persists for longer than three months, you should seek medical guidance.

3. Breast Tenderness:

Birth control may cause breast cancer enlargement or tenderness. This usually resolves a few weeks s after starting the method. Anyone who finds a lump in the breast or who have persistent pain or tenderness or severe breast pain should seek medical help.

4. Weight Gain:

Clinical students have not found consistency between the use of birth control method or weight fluctuations. However, fluid retention may occur, especially around the breast and hips.

According to one review, most studies have found an average weight gain of under 4.4 pounds (2 kilograms) at 6 or 12 months with progestin-only birth control.

5. Mood Changes:

Studies suggest that oral contraceptives may affect the user’s mood and increase the risk of depression or other emotional changes. Anyone experiencing mood changes during pill use should concern their doctor.

6. Does not Protect Against (STD) Sexually Transmitted Diseases:

Most of the birth control methods do not protect against sexually transmitted infections or diseases. It is necessary to use condoms during sexual intercourse to prevent or not getting these diseases. Birth control methods like pills intake do protect against ( STD).

Conclusion:

Birth control is used by women’s all around the world, especially in the US. Birth control usage ratio seems to be increasing day by day because of more authentic methods and pills.

Even though birth control method is very safe, using the wrong one can slightly increase your risk of health problems. They can be a severe include heart attack, stroke, blood clots and liver tumours.

In sporadic cases, they can lead to death. It’s all about using them in the right way, it’s proper use can benefit you, or improper usage may have harsh effects.