Did you know birth control pills can be used to manage diseases?

Contraceptives are widely known to serve the purpose of prevention of pregnancy.

But this is not the only benefit that contraceptives, especially the daily birth control pill can offer to a woman.

According to Dr Joan Okemo, an Obstetrician Gynaecologist at the Aga Khan University Hospital, the pill is also used to manage a number of Menstrual related diseases.

The pill can be used for;  

1. Regulation of Menses

A birth control pill, if taken over a specified period of time can help in managing irregular menses condition.

The irregular menses could occur as a result of hormonal imbalance, which may be caused by medical conditions, stress, menopause, diet changes among others.

2. Treating Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Health practitioners could recommend the use of birth control pills to treat PMS, a combination of symptoms that women get a week or two before their periods.

The PMS symptoms could range from fatigue, headache, abdominal pains, joint and muscle pain, bloating, breast tenderness among others.

3. Prevention of ovarian cysts

Birth control pills can be used to prevent the growth of ovarian cysts - fluid-filled sacs or pockets in an ovary or on its surface.

When ovarian cysts grow bigger, they may cause severe pain on a woman’s abdomen and also bloating.

4. Cancer Prevention

If used for a long period of time, the birth control pill can prevent ovarian, uterine or colon cancer.

5. Severe cramps

Women who experience severely painful or heavy menstrual periods can use the birth control pill to regulate the menses.

6. Acne and facial hair

Birth control pills can also be used to treat acne and hair on a woman’s face. When consumed, the pills help in controlling Hormonal imbalance, which is a major cause of acne and facial hair.

Other than the pill, Hormonal Intrauterine Device (IUD) can also be used to treat patients with endometriosis, heavy menses associated with fibroids.