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The Curious Bag
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The purpose of birth control is to prevent pregnancy by blocking male sperms access to female eggs. Birth control methods include oral contraception, shots, condoms, IUDs and diaphragms. In addition to preventing pregnancies, birth control methods offer other benefits.
Menstrual Cycle
Estrogen/progestin combination and progestin-only birth control regulate your menstrual cycle, reduce bleeding and minimize menstrual cramps.
Iron-Deficiency Anemia
Birth control reduces your risks of developing iron-deficiency anemia. The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Health Service says this occurs because of reduced bleeding.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) develops because of STDs, particularly Chlamydia and gonorrhea--conditions that cause infertility. Birth control, particularly condoms, reduces susceptibility to STD-related ailments.
Acne
Reducing acne is a residual effect of birth control, such as Ortho Tri-Cyclen--FDA approved for acne treatment. Acne Resource Center says acne benefits occur because birth control balances hormones.
Risks
Birth control pills increase your risks of heart disease, stroke and blood clots if you smoke or have a history of blood clots. Thus, the risks outweigh the benefits for a small percentage of women.
Source:
Centers for Disease Control: PID
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point: Birth Control
Acne Resource Center: Reducing Acne with Birth Control
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