Benefits of birth control
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Benefits of Birth Control
Introduction to Birth Control Benefits
Birth control methods offer a range of benefits beyond preventing pregnancy. These benefits span across health, social, and economic domains, significantly impacting the lives of individuals and society as a whole.
Health Benefits of Birth Control
Cancer Risk Reduction
One of the most significant health benefits of birth control, particularly oral contraceptives (OCs), is the reduction in the risk of certain cancers. Studies have shown that the use of birth control pills decreases the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers 1356. This protective effect continues even after discontinuation of the pills, providing long-term health benefits 10.
Prevention of Gynecologic Disorders
Hormonal contraceptives are effective in treating and preventing various gynecologic disorders. They can decrease the severity of acne, correct menstrual irregularities, treat endometriosis-associated pain, and reduce bleeding associated with uterine myomas 5. Additionally, they help in managing symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and reducing the frequency of menstrual migraines 5.
Protection Against Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
The use of birth control pills also offers protection against pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can lead to serious reproductive health issues if left untreated 1.
Reduction in Ectopic Pregnancies
Both hormonal contraceptives and sterilization methods provide significant protection against ectopic pregnancies, which are potentially life-threatening conditions where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus 16.
Improvement in Bone Mineral Density
Hormonal contraceptives have been shown to increase bone mineral density, which is crucial for preventing osteoporosis and fractures later in life 5.
Social and Economic Benefits of Birth Control
Empowerment and Control Over Life Choices
Access to and use of contraception allows women to plan and space their pregnancies, which has profound social and economic benefits. Women report that birth control enables them to take better care of themselves and their families, support themselves financially, complete their education, and maintain or secure employment 4. This control over reproductive choices empowers women to pursue their personal and professional goals without the interruption of unintended pregnancies 4.
Financial Stability and Educational Attainment
By preventing unintended pregnancies, birth control helps women achieve financial stability and higher educational attainment. This, in turn, contributes to better economic outcomes for families and communities 4.
Noncontraceptive Uses of Birth Control
Treatment of Menstrual Disorders
Birth control pills are widely used to treat various menstrual disorders, including menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding) and dysmenorrhea (painful periods) 10. These benefits improve the quality of life for many women who suffer from these conditions.
Management of Acne and Skin Conditions
The hormonal regulation provided by birth control pills can significantly reduce the severity of acne and other skin conditions, offering an additional noncontraceptive benefit 510.
Conclusion
The benefits of birth control extend far beyond pregnancy prevention. They include significant health advantages such as reduced cancer risks, prevention of gynecologic disorders, and protection against pelvic inflammatory disease and ectopic pregnancies. Additionally, birth control empowers women by providing control over their reproductive choices, leading to better social and economic outcomes. These multifaceted benefits underscore the importance of access to and education about contraceptive options for individuals and society.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic