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Birth Control Health Center

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Birth Control Health Center

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Health Benefits of Birth Control Methods

Birth control prevents unwanted pregnancies. The medical risks of pregnancy and delivery are much higher than the risks of using any birth control method. Some birth control methods have other health benefits in addition to the prevention of pregnancy.

Latex condoms protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Hormonal methods of birth control that contain progestin, such as the hormonal IUD, can reduce heavy bleeding and cramping during periods and reduce anemia.
Use of birth control pills may improve acne, reduce pain during ovulation and reduce premenstrual symptoms. They may also reduce heavy menstrual bleeding and cramping..
Long-term use of birth control pills reduces the risk of cancer of the ovaries and uterine lining (endometrium).

Some birth control pills can be taken continuously so that you have fewer or no periods. This is not harmful, and there is no proven health benefit. But many women find it has a lifestyle benefit.

Recommended Related to Birth Control

The New No-Period, No-PMS Birth Control Pills

In the beginning, there was Seasonale -- the continuous birth control pill that offered women four periods a year. Women grabbed the chance to opt out of their periods. If you don't need it, why put up with it? Today, "the pill" has been finessed even more, with lighter-period or no-period birth control pills as well as no-PMS, no-acne pills. Seasonale, Seasonique, Yaz, Beyaz, Yasmin, and Lybrel have changed the face of birth control pills. All are variations of traditional birth control pills...

Read the The New No-Period, No-PMS Birth Control Pills article > >

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	Sarah Anne Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Revised	May 13, 2010

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 13, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.