Birth control refers to the practice of using specific methods, medications, or surgical operations for both males and females to prevent conception. However, women have a wider variety of birth control methods to select from. Some methods of contraception are more effective than others. Your choice of birth control will be influenced by your health, desire to have children now or in the future, and need to avoid STIs.
There is nothing improper or shameful about using birth control just to prevent conception. It’s also beneficial to know that a number of birth control options have other health advantages that are unrelated to preventing pregnancy.
The Channel 45 caught up with Dr Madhushree Vijayakumar, Consultant – Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, to know about the uses of birth control other than that of preventing pregnancy.
9 Substitutes Of Birth Control
- Birth Control Implant
- IUD
- Birth Control Vaginal Ring
- Birth Control Patch
- Birth Control Pill
- Cervical Cap
- Internal condom
- Sterilisation
- Vasectomy
5 Reasons Why A Gynaec Can Put You On Birth Control Besides Pregnancy Prevention
1. More Predictable Periods
You can programme your period according to a schedule by using the oestrogen and progesterone-containing combination birth control pill, also known as “the pill”.
Some surprises are wonderful. Menstrual bleeding surprises are not. You can programme your period according to a schedule by using the oestrogen and progesterone-containing combination birth control pill, also known as “the pill”. It usually operates as follows, even though some individuals use them to completely skip periods (which is safe). After taking sugar pills devoid of hormones for the first three weeks, you transition to active hormone-containing pills for the last week. You’ll be aware that the last week of each month is when you should anticipate getting your period. The ring and the patch, which employ the same hormones as the pill and are applied on a similar schedule, also control periods: The ring or patch is worn for three weeks before being taken off.
2. Lighter Flow
… hormonal birth control can either treat anaemia brought on by heavy periods or simply make them more bearable.
Fortunately, certain hormone treatments can reduce flow, including the pill, patch, ring, injection, hormonal IUDs, and in rare cases, the implant. In preparation for a prospective pregnancy, the uterus develops a thick lining of blood and tissue each month. (The lining gives the developing pregnancy the nourishment it needs.) But, if you don’t become pregnant, the lining is lost through the vagina and is known as a period. The uterine lining may thin because of the hormonal birth control treatments discussed above, resulting in lighter or even non-existent periods. Because of this, hormonal birth control can either treat anaemia brought on by heavy periods or simply make them more bearable.
3. Less Painful Cramps
All the birth control methods that lighten flow also come with another benefit: fewer unpleasant cramps. Prostaglandins are substances that are secreted from the lining of the uterus that cause menstrual cramps. A lighter menstrual flow results in a thinner uterine lining, and a thinner uterine lining helps reduce prostaglandin release, which reduces cramping. The tablet seems to greatly help with those symptoms and reduce the likelihood, need, and use of pain medication while also substantially helping with pain. Again, the ring and patch, which work by utilising the same hormones as the pill can lessen cramping.
4. Clearer Skin
It helps to lower the amounts of testosterone in the blood, which has a positive effect on acne. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, male hormones, such as testosterone, can overstimulate the oil glands in women’s skin, causing flare-ups of acne.
5. Treatment Of PCOS
It reduces the quantity of testosterone that these young women’s acne and unwelcome hair growth are brought on by.
For the prevalent illness known as a polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, the pill is frequently used as the first line of treatment. For their periods to be more managed, this pill is prescribed to women who have been diagnosed with PCOS. It reduces the quantity of testosterone that these young women’s acne and unwelcome hair growth are brought on by. This is a very typical justification for starting individuals on the pill.
In case you are unsure about which birth control method suits you the best or if you face any symptoms while on birth control, please visit your gynaecologist for advice.
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