Birth control pills can have residual effects, meaning the effects can last even after the pills have been stopped. The majority of these, such as effects on bone health, are physical, while others have both physical and psychological effects, such as acne treatment. Most of them are positive health effects, which can have both short-term and long-term consequences on the body, particularly as the woman ages.
Effects on Bones
Birth control pills that contain a combination of hormones, usually estrogen and progestin, have been shown to prevent bone loss in women who have reached their peak level of bone mass. This is usually accomplished when a woman passes her 30-year mark.
Effects on Muscles
Recent studies have shown that women who exercise regularly, but whose hormone levels are reduced through the use of birth control pills, may not build as much muscle mass as they normally would if they were not on birth control pills. This decreased mass does not have an effect on performance, so doctors say this is not a reason for women to stop using birth control pills or to not consider them as a birth control method.
Effects on Reproductive Organs
Birth control pills can protect women from cancer in certain reproductive organs, specifically, the uterus and ovaries. Additionally, there is the possibility that it can also protect against colorectal cancer.
Birth control pills also prevent the formation of ovarian cysts. Women who use low-dose pills or pills containing only one hormone may not receive this benefit.
Effects on Fertility
A woman is usually able to conceive within 2 to 3 months after stopping the birth control pill, although some women have conceived immediately after stopping the pill. Once a woman has had two to three regular periods, then this is a sign that she is ovulating on a regular basis.
The birth control pill may actually help with fertility issues. Irregular or absent ovulation is one cause of infertility, and because the pill regulates hormones, which in turn cause one to have regular periods, this can improve a woman's chances of conceiving.
Effects on Overall Health
Birth control pills are used to treat endometriosis, a condition where the lining of the uterus breaks off and attaches to other organs in the pelvic region. This is a very painful condition and can cause scarring, which can block the organ from functioning properly. When birth control pills correct endometriosis, the organs function better, improving overall general health.
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