Birth Control

More than likely, you have heard stories about how teens and young adults use birth control for many different reasons. From pregnancy prevention to treatment of hormonal conditions, birth control could work wonders for you. However, you must be educated on the types, what you can use it for, and the risk that are associated with birth control. In this article you will be reading about:

1. Possible uses of oral contraceptives

2. Side effects and dangers of using oral contraceptives

3. The pro and cons of birth control

Along with these subtopics. I will also tell you things that doctors might not want you to know

The official definition of birth control according to Womenshealth.gov is “any method, medicine, or device used to prevent pregnancy.” When talking about the treatment of conditions, oral contraceptives are the most common method to use. For this article, we will be talking about the effects and usage of oral contraceptives.

Possible uses of oral contraceptives

Birth control can help to treat a number of different conditions. Some non-pregnancy related uses of birth control are to help with Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) symptoms, to help regulate periods, and to increase estrogen in the body. One of the most common reasons, aside for pregnancy prevention, why teens use birth control is to help control their acne. However, not many teens know how this works. Let’s break it down.

Hormonal acne is created when your body produces too much sebum. Sebum is excreted through your skin and can clog pores. As we all know, clogged pores lead to acne. By taking birth control with both estrogen and progesterone, the amount of sebum goes and results in less acne. (Webmd.Com) It is important to note that birth control does not treat anything. Birth control has not been proven to permanently treat any hormonal issues, but it has been proven to lower the severity of these issues.

Side effects and dangers of using oral contraceptives

When taking any medication, much less birth control, there are side effects that could take place. Before we go any further, I would like to state that although side effects are possible, they are uncommon and easily treatable. Now, let’s look at some of the possible side effects.

Common Side Effects:

• Spotting/irregular periods (most common)

• Headache

• Nausea

• Mood changes

• Breakouts

• Sore or enlarged breast

• Weight gain or lost

• Headaches, dizziness, weakness

Rare/Uncommon Side Effects:

• Chest pain, cough, shortness of breath

• Sight problems (vision loss or blurring) Speech problems

• Severe leg pain

• Blood clots

• Heart attacks

• High blood pressure

• Stroke

The more painful or life-threatening ones are extremely rare in teens. If you have any questions about your personal risk factor, ask your doctor.

Pros and Cons:

Here are some positives and negatives of birth control.

Pros:

• Affordable: Prices range from $0-$50 depending on the vender.

• Easily available: From the mini pharmacy at your local Walmart to Planned Parenthood, finding birth control is not an issue!

• Non-invasive: No shots, no surgeries, just you and a little pill.

• Endless Possibilities: You could decrease the severity of your period cramps while helping your acne!

Cons:

• Must be taken every day preferably at the same time

• Other medications could interfere with it: Make sure to talk to your doctor about birth control and the other medications you are on.

• Side effects may arise: Be completely honest and thorough with your doctor if you are feeling any symptoms or changes you notice while you were on the pill.

• Stopping the pills may result in more intense symptoms of PMS.

• Cycles may become irregular and harder to track.

At the end of the day, there are several ways to deal with each of the problems, so many treatments, and so many voices telling you what to do. Even so, your best option is to do your research, ask the questions, and have those awkward and tough conversations. All of these steps are necessary to help gain control and dominance of your health. If you want to test your knowledge on birth control, there is a link to a birth control quiz. Until next time, stay safe and stay healthy!

Bibliography:

- Gardner, Stephanie S. “Causes and Treatment of Acne.” WebMD, WebMD, 27 Dec. 2019, https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/birth-control-for-acne-treatment#1

- Janet, et al. “Taming the Cycle: How Does the Pill Work?” Science in the News, 9 Jan. 2014, http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2008/issue40/

- Posted under Health Guides. Updated 19 July 2018. +Related Content. “Medical Uses of the Birth Control Pill.” Center for Young Women's Health, 19 July 2018,

https://youngwomenshealth.org/2011/10/18/medical-uses-of-the-birth-control-pill/

- “Products - Data Briefs - Number 327 - December 2018.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 14 Feb. 2019, https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db327.htm

Writer: Leighton Gammage

Editor: Meghana Nakkanti

Graphic Designer: Isabelle Thym