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BC (birct control) pros and cons
what are the pros and cons of birth control?
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There are many types of birth control. Condoms can actually be referred to as a form of birth control, too. I will assume that you are talking about hormonal birth control like the pill, shot, or patch.
Pros:
= About 92% effective on preventing pregnancy with typical usage (99% in laboratory settings)
= Only 1 pill to take a day
= Regulates the menstrual cycle (easier to keep track of your period)
= Can possibly reduce cramps
= Can reduce the size of ovarian cysts
= Can help reduce PMS symptoms in some women
= Can help clear up acne
= Possible increase in breast size
Cons:
= Non-serious side-effects possibility (breast tenderness, nausea, vomiting, headaches, bloating, mood swings, spotting or break-through bleeding mid-cycle)
= Serious side-effects possibility (increased risk of stroke, blood clots and heart attacks)
= Increased risk of breast cancer (and a few other forms of cancer)
= Raises cholesterol and, in some cases, blood pressure
= No protection against STDs
= Must take it every single day, preferably at the same time
= Could possibly cause liver, kidney or adrenal dysfunction over time.
= Essential vitamins B6, B12, C and Folic Acid not easily absorbed by the body while taking the pill
= Possible weight-gain
= Encourages sexual activity
= Prescription required; expensive to obtain for many young women
= Not instantly effective as a form of birth control
= Possible increase in breast size
There may also be a problem with taking these artificial hormones early in life and altering one's natural hormonal production and function. I used birth control pills since I was about 13 up until I was about 22. I now experience some not-so-great problems that may be associated with taking birth control pills early in life and for an extended period of time.
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Pros:
- Reliable
- Easy to take
- Pretty much guarantees that you won't have unprotected sex
- Affordable(at places like Planned Parenthood)
Cons:
- Possible side effects (some can be positive, too, though)
- Have to take it at the same time every day (hard for some people)
- Costs more than condoms (unless you're using a lot of them)
- If you're a teenager, harder to hide from parents
If you do get on birth control, please make sure you read all the instructions that come with it, including the list of "rare but serious" side effects. I didn't, and spent about a month suffering from really bad eye pain because my pill had reshaped my corneas, making my contacts extremely painful/uncomfortable. I had to stop wearing them for a while, which really messed with my life- I have terrible vision and can't see much without them, so my work and school performance suffered. This is extremely rare and probably won't happen to you, but make sure you read it just in case- and if any of it does happen, of course seek medical help.
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