The pill, patch, and IUD are among the numerous forms of hormonal birth control available at the local OB-GYN practice, all of which prevent conception, so you can plan when you want to get pregnant. What’s more, they offer additional applications that benefit your health and appearance. Review them here to determine if the pill or another hormonal birth control option is right for you. 

Why Women Take Birth Control

1. Stops Period Irregularity 

If your period cycle is less than 21 days, it is considered irregular since the average cycle is between 21 and 35 days. Regulating your cycle to the standard 28 days is possible with birth control, as it stops ovulation to prevent related hormonal fluctuations. Instead of periods, you experience period-like bleeding depending on what type of birth control you take, such as breakthrough bleeding. A common side effect during the first three months of use, unscheduled breakthrough bleeding is typically light spotting. 

2. Clears Up Acne

Hormonal changes are among the main causes of acne in both teens and adults. Birth control reduces such fluctuations for clearer, smoother skin by dampening androgenic activity in your bloodstream, or male sex hormones that cause acne. The combination of birth control pills featuring estrogen and progesterone hormones has been shown to provide the most help in reducing blemishes. 

3. Reduces Ovarian Cyst Risk

During ovulation, fluid-filled sacs can form on your ovaries called ovarian cysts. They are rarely hazardous to your reproductive health but can cause pain ranging from mild to severe. Preventing ovulation with hormonal birth control stops these sometimes-debilitating cysts from occurring and inhibits existing cyst regrowth. 

4. Decreases Menstruation Pain 

Menstrual cramps occur when the uterus contracts too forcefully to shed uterine lining, pressing on nearby blood vessels and temporarily cutting off oxygen to the organ. No ovulation means no menstrual discomfort, which, like ovarian cysts, can be mild or extremely painful. If you have endometriosis, your OB-GYN doctor might recommend skipping periods with birth control to manage extreme cramping and other symptoms. 

5. Relieves PMS Symptoms 

Relief from the mental and emotional effects of premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, is possible with hormonal birth control. Skipping periods means no hormonal changes, such as increases in progesterone and estrogen levels that can cause anxiety, moodiness, and irritability. Some women experience premenstrual dysphoric disorder or more extreme PMS symptoms that can include fatigue and depression. Birth control provides relief for these issues as well. 

Discuss birth control with the compassionate gynecologists at Advanced OB-GYN Services. Dr. Joseph Hazan and his team have served the Saint Peters and Bridgeton, MO, areas for over 30 years. They provide a full suite of reproductive health services, including infertility and prenatal care. Call (636) 928-1800 for the St. Peters office or dial (314) 291-2140 for the St. Louis office to make an appointment. Visit the website for a complete list of OB-GYN services.