Everything You Need To Know About Hormonal Birth Control

Although preventing pregnancy is their most popular use, there are a number of different reasons why women turn to hormonal birth control. In addition to being one of the most effective forms of contraception, birth control can address a number of other health concerns faced by women including irregular menstrual cycles, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, and skin problems.

According to the National Library of Medicine, ?endometriosis affects an astounding 10% of the female population, making it just one of the pressing issues facing women’s’ health. These serious diseases can lower quality of life, cause varying amounts of pain, as well as cause infertility.

Whatever the reason is for taking hormonal birth control, it’s important to do enough research and weigh the positives against the negatives. Despite all of the good hormonal birth control can do, it does come with its fair share of risks and side effects. It’s up to you to determine if the reward is worth the risk.

How Does Hormonal Birth Control Work?

Hormone-based birth control usually contains a combination of the female hormones estrogen and progestin, though sometimes they contain only progestin. In order to prevent pregnancy, these methods will stop ovulation, increase the thickness of the mucus layer in the cervix to keep out sperm, and even stop fertilized eggs from being able to implant themselves in the uterus.

What Types Of Hormonal Birth Control Are Out There?

Hormone-based contraceptives can be obtained in a variety of forms, though all require a doctor’s prescription. Some of the more common forms of hormone-based contraceptives are pills, patches, intrauterine devices (IUD’s), rings, shots, and implants. Many of these distribute both estrogen and progesterone to your body, though some only administer one hormone or none at all.

Depending on an individual’s unique circumstances, they might prefer or require one form of hormone-based contraceptive over another. Whatever your decision, it’s a good idea to go over each type with your doctor and decide which one best suits your needs. Each kind comes with its own list of risks and benefits, but none are effective without consistency.

For example, if you’re someone who has trouble remembering to take a pill everyday, something like an implant or IUD might be a better choice. Whichever type you choose, you need to be consistent to get the most out of your birth control.

What Are The Potential Side Effects Of Hormonal Birth Control?

Side effects vary from person to person, but they’re still important to keep in mind. Some side effects caused by hormonal birth control are more serious than others, and those who do decide to risk it should keep an eye out for those more dangerous side effects.

Some of the most common side effects include weight gain, migraines, hormonal changes, nausea, and breast tenderness. Women who smoke, have diabetes, or a BMI over 30 should avoid hormonal birth control as their risk for the serious side effects is much greater.

Article Link - Everything You Need To Know About Hormonal Birth Control

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Author - Jessica Aurelia

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