WOMEN’S HEALTH WEDNESDAY

Health benefits and risks associated with the Birth Control Pill:

Benefits

Reduced risk of ovarian, endometrial (aka uterus) and colorectal cancers and anemia. Improves pelvic inflammatory disease, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), PMS and acne. Reduces symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome. Protects against vaginal dryness, future ectopic pregnancy, and menopause-related painful intercourse.

Risks

Increases risk of blood clot developing (especially in smokers), risk of developing gallstones or high blood pressure. The jury is still out on decrease of libido, increase risk of breast cancer and depression - there are studies both supporting and debunking these theories.

Additional Benefit: No babies (for the time being)