As me and my friends were discussing how condoms are sometimes troublesome and dubious, we landed on the topic of birth control pills. Birth control pills are usually frowned upon because some claim that they are harmful to the uterus. We ended up believing this claim as we were too gullible, much like Rachel Green!
One fine day, I found out that the belief I so strongly held on to for years was nothing but a myth. And that I was just another sheep in the herd of naivetes. Before I dive into busting the myth, let’s first understand how a birth control pill works. The birth control pills are a medicine with hormones that stop ovulation. Without ovulation, there is no egg lingering around for the sperm. The pills also form a thick lining of mucus on the cervix. This lining acts like a sticky bodyguard blocking the sperm from swimming to the egg. But apart from stopping pregnancy they also have a lot of health benefits!
For many, periods are associated with a plethora of health problems like ovarian cysts, ovarian fibroids, and endometriosis. As the pills suppress monthly periods, they not only help alleviate these health problems but also reduce the risk of ovarian cancers. Birth control pills are also known to provide some protection against Anaemia, non-cancerous breast growths, endometrial and ovarian cancer, heavy periods, and severe menstrual cramps. The pills with low-dose estrogen (hormones) are also known to help prevent the growth of uterine fibroids.
But do not forget that birth control pills like any other drug comes with its own set of potential risks. Our bodies are not alike and the genetic structure of each individual varies greatly from one another. Each body reacts differently to the hormones in the birth control pills.
The pills are not a safe option for those with existing health conditions, especially people suffering from PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). Those who already have fibroids and start taking birth control pills with higher doses of estrogen may experience increased growth of those fibroids. There is a potential risk of blood clots while taking birth controls, especially if one is a regular smoker or has heart disease.
You may make judicious use of the space-age technology i.e. the internet. But remember to never prescribe yourself any contraceptive pill solely based on your research. It is imperative to always consult a trusted gynecologist and let them decide the suitable prescription for you. Before popping that pill, make sure you know if birth control pills are your friend or your foe!
|| By Ipshita Gogoi ||
PADDLING FOUNDATION 