Birth control methods are popularly known for their advantages as a pregnancy prevention plan. However, did you know that this medical solution can provide other benefits that go beyond contraception? Our experts in women’s health in Lone Tree & Castle Rock, CO, discuss the advantages of this approach to provide help in managing other health issues that can be frequent in women. If you suffer from painful periods, heavy bleeding, hormonal migraines, or PCOS, keep reading.
Six Non-Contraceptive Uses of Birth Control
The benefits of birth control go beyond simply preventing pregnancies, with even the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approving some of these methods for non-contraceptive medical uses. These can be of aid in treating conditions related to menstrual cycles like dysregulations, health issues like endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, and others. Let our experts at Lone Tree OB/GYN & Midwives explain it at length.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a health condition that causes symptoms like chronic pelvic pain, heavy periods, bleeding between periods, and fertility issues. This condition requires a professional for diagnosis, proper management, treatment, and prevention of related issues. Some options for this condition can include pills, patches, injections, or IUDs, with treatment mainly focused on providing relief from symptoms like pain and prolonged periods, and preventing the disease from progressing.
Perimenopause
The perimenopausal stage in the life of a woman includes low fertility; however, a woman can still get pregnant during a phase where pregnancies are considered high-risk. Because unintended pregnancies are common during perimenopause, the use of contraception can be recommended. Additionally, this approach can help stabilize hormone shifts and regulate heavy periods that can be common at this stage.
Menstrual Issues
Menstrual issues, such as irregular cycles, heavy periods, or painful menstruation, can all be common for women, but not something you have to live with. Birth control methods, especially hormonal ones, are employed to address these issues, with some of the most used being pills, injections, or implanted contraceptives. Certain methods can have a direct effect on your menstruation by regularizing your cycles and making your periods less painful and heavy.
Premenstrual Syndrome
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is the name given to all the signs and symptoms that a woman can experience in the weeks prior to her period, which tend to fade once the bleeding starts. These could include:
- Food cravings
- Mood swings
- Weight gain
- Headaches
- Tiredness
- Bloating
Certain oral contraceptive pills are FDA-approved to treat a severe form of PMS known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Birth control methods employed for this condition can help ease symptoms by balancing hormone levels during your cycle.
Menstrual Migraine
Menstrual migraines, which affect 31% of women, can occur during or outside the period. This condition can be split into two types:
- Pure menstrual migraine: Occurs around the time of the menstrual cycle
- Menstrually related migraine: Occurs during other times of the month
Both types can cause debilitating symptoms that can incapacitate a woman for around seven days on average. The condition can be triggered by hormonal fluctuations that are often related to a drop in estrogen. Hormonal birth control methods can help manage it by keeping estrogen levels stable.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can affect women from teenage years up to their adult and reproductive years. This condition can cause several health problems that can include chronic menstrual irregularity, hirsutism (excessive body hair growth), and polycystic ovaries, to mention a few. It is a condition that requires proper management and treatment due to its long-term nature and the risk of developing health-related complications. While lifestyle changes are necessary to manage the condition, a treatment plan is also essential, which typically includes pills and other medications.
How Contraceptive Methods Go Beyond Their Main Purpose
You have probably heard about how birth control methods can also function as treatment for medical conditions beyond their main role in pregnancy prevention. According to research on contraceptive experiences by KFF, one in seven women use contraceptive methods for reasons outside of preventing pregnancies, like managing a medical condition.
This is because hormonal contraceptive methods are an important component when it comes to supporting and maintaining overall wellness for women. The type of method depends on the reason for use, with hormonal methods used more often to manage conditions because they help regulate hormone levels, stabilize the uterine lining, and suppress ovulation, among other reasons.
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Our Birth Control Options in Lone Tree & Castle Rock, CO
As you can see, contraceptive methods can be employed to address a wide range of conditions outside of simply preventing pregnancy. Their use varies depending on the condition, symptoms, and medical history. An expert in women’s wellness can help you find the right option and combination based on your specific case. Some of our contraceptive options in Lone Tree & Castle Rock, CO, include:
Hormonal contraceptivesThese types of contraceptives work by releasing synthetic versions of estrogen or progestin. Some popular forms include:
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Non-hormonal contraceptivesNon-hormonal contraceptives, as their name implies, don’t affect the body’s hormone cycle and prevent pregnancy by interacting with sperm instead. Some options for these methods include:
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FAQ
What is the best contraceptive method?
There is no single best contraceptive method for everyone; the best option for you is one that adapts to your lifestyle, medical history, health needs, individual priorities, convenience, goals, STI protection, and whether long- or short-term prevention is required.
Is it healthier to be on birth control or not?
Being on birth control is not inherently healthy or unhealthy; the choice depends entirely on you, your body, medical history, personal needs, and goals. While this medical approach can cause side effects, it can also provide benefits for certain health issues and help prevent unintended pregnancies.
What happens if I leave hormonal issues untreated?
Leaving hormonal issues untreated can cause symptoms and the hormonal imbalance itself to worsen over time. Additionally, it can lead to health complications like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, bone loss, and even infertility.
Find the Right Birth Control Method for You in Lone Tree & Castle Rock, CO
With so many options to choose from when it comes to contraceptive methods, it might not seem easy to make a choice. However, with professional guidance, picking one that works for you, your lifestyle habits, health needs, and goals is entirely possible.
If you’re looking to start on birth control, whether for contraceptive or non-contraceptive reasons, and can’t decide which one adapts better to you, come see us. Schedule an appointment or visit us in Lone Tree & Castle Rock, CO. Our experts in women’s health can guide you through choosing an option that adapts to you.
About Lone Tree’s Mission
Lone Tree OB/GYN & Midwives is a full-service obstetrics and gynecology office with a team of highly regarded providers recognized throughout the Castle Rock, Colorado, community for their exceptional care.