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Who Can Use Birth Control Pills?

Birth control pills are one of the most popular methods used worldwide by women to prevent pregnancy. They’re also prescribed for managing certain reproductive health conditions.

This blog breaks down who can take birth control pills safely. Knowing who can take them and who should avoid them is key to making the right health decision.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Birth control pills are daily medications that are designed to prevent pregnancy. They contain synthetic versions of natural hormones, estrogen and progestin. The two types are the combined oral contraceptive pills (COCP) and the progestin-only pills (POP).

  • Besides preventing pregnancy, birth control pills are often prescribed to women suffering from conditions like irregular periods, painful cramps, heavy bleeding, acne, PCOS, and endometriosis, even if the woman isn’t sexually active.

  • Women who smoke and are over 35, have had blood clots or strokes, or have certain cancers or liver issues should not take COCPs. POPs may be recommended instead in many of these cases.

  • A doctor can help choose the safest and most effective pill based on age, lifestyle, and medical history.

 

What are Birth Control Pills?

What are Birth Control Pills?
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Birth control pills are oral contraceptive pills taken daily to help prevent pregnancy. They contain synthetic versions of hormones naturally made in the body. Commonly known as "the pill", it is over 99% effective when used correctly and consistently.

The most commonly used type is combined oral contraceptive pills (COCP), which contain two hormones - estrogen and progestin. Another type of pill is progestin-only pills (POP), which contain only the hormone progestin. These are often used when a woman cannot take estrogen for medical reasons.

Who is Eligible to Start Using Birth Control Pills?

Who is Eligible to Start Using Birth Control Pills?
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Most women are eligible to start using birth control pills after they’ve had their first period. There is no specific age requirement, but health experts recommend starting only when someone’s menstrual cycle has begun and there is a need for preventing pregnancy or to treat specific health issues.

For women looking to use birth control pills to prevent pregnancy, they are typically recommended for those who are sexually active and wish to avoid unplanned pregnancies.

Combined oral contraceptive pills are often prescribed not just to prevent pregnancy, but also to manage:

  • Irregular periods

  • Severe period cramps

  • Heavy menstrual bleeding

  • Acne

  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal condition that affects the ovaries

  • Endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside it

These pills are widely used by people in their late teens, 20s, and 30s. Global data shows that individuals aged 20 to 30 are the most common users, especially in urban areas with good access to healthcare.

It is important to have a consultation with a doctor before starting the pill. A medical history, lifestyle habits, and current health status should be reviewed to ensure safety.

Who Should Not Use Birth Control Pills?

Who Should Not Use Birth Control Pills?

Combined oral contraceptive pills are safe for most women, but are not for everyone. Certain health conditions or risk factors can make COCPs unsafe. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), people should avoid COCPs if they:

  • Are over 35 years old and smoke cigarettes (which increases the risk of heart problems and blood clots)

  • Have a history of blood clots, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), stroke, or heart attack

  • Experience migraines with aura (a kind of migraine that starts with visual disturbances like flashing lights)

  • Have uncontrolled high blood pressure

  • Are currently diagnosed with or recovering from certain cancers such as breast cancer or liver cancer

  • Have severe liver disease

  • Are within six weeks of giving birth and breastfeeding

In these cases, the estrogen in COCPs can increase the risk of serious side effects. However, progestin-only pills (POPs) may be safer alternatives. POPs are often recommended for women who are breastfeeding, have a history of blood clots, are sensitive to estrogen-related side effects, or have certain migraines or heart conditions. POPs prevent pregnancy, but they must be taken at the same time every day to remain effective.

Conclusion

Combined oral contraceptive pills are generally safe for most women. Age, medical history, and lifestyle habits all play a role in deciding whether these pills are the right choice. People with certain health risks may be advised to avoid estrogen-containing pills and use progestin-only options instead.

Before starting any birth control method, a proper consultation with a doctor is recommended. With the right guidance, there’s a safe and suitable option for nearly everyone who needs birth control pills for contraception or managing reproductive health conditions.



 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Is there a minimum age for starting birth control pills?

    There is no minimum age, but pills are generally safe to use after a woman has had their first period. A doctor will help decide if it is appropriate based on medical history and personal needs.

  • Can someone use birth control pills without being sexually active?

    Birth control pills are often prescribed for reasons other than preventing pregnancy, such as managing period pain, acne, endometriosis, and PCOS, among others. In those cases, being sexually active does not matter.

  • Do birth control pills make you infertile?

    Birth control pills only prevent pregnancy while they are being used. Fertility usually returns quickly after stopping the pills. Birth control pills do not cause permanent infertility.

  • Are birth control pills used by people other than women?

    Birth Control pills are designed for women, so they may be used by cis women, transgender men or non-binary individuals who still have the female reproductive organs.

 

Important

This blog, including its text, images, and infographics, is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. For personalized advice, always consult a doctor.

Further Reading

For more details on this or related topics, refer to the papers listed in references below, or check out the other blogs on our website dulycare.in.

References

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