A new study offers some reassurance to women who choose to use oral contraceptives for birth control. not only do they appear to be safe overall for most women, they may even help women live longer. What are the benefits of taking oral contraceptives?
The Benefits of Oral Contraceptives: Great Longevity?
In a study published in the British Medical Journal, researchers looked at mortality data on 46,112 women ? some of whom took the pill and some who didn?t. these women were followed for a total of 39 years. To their surprise, they found that women who had ever used oral contraceptives had a significantly lower overall death rate compared to those who had never used birth control pills. not only that, but the pill users had lower death rates from several types of cancer ? including colon and gynecological cancers ? as well as lower death rates from heart disease.
Does Taking Oral Contraceptives Improve Heart Health?
The finding that taking oral contraceptives lowered the rate of death from heart disease in this study is surprising since birth control pills have been associated with a higher risk of blood clots, which can be a precursor to a heart attack. many health care professionals advise women over the age of 35 against taking birth control pills, especially if they smoke or have high blood pressure, for this very reason.
Benefits of Oral Contraceptives: It?s not all good News
This study did show that women in the youngest age group (under 30) had a three times higher death rate from all causes than those who hadn?t used them, and women who used birth control pills also had a higher risk of violent death. Researchers have no explanation for why these associations were seen.
What Previous Studies Show
Prior studies have shown that women who take birth control pills lower their risk of cancer of the uterus and ovary ? and this effect seems to carry over even after they discontinue the pill. they also have a decreased risk of breast and ovarian cysts. some studies show that women who take oral contraceptive pills have a higher risk of breast cancer ? although the research is conflicting on this.
Who should Take the Pill?
Despite these study findings, the birth control pill still isn?t appropriate for everyone. Women who have a history of breast cancer, heart disease, liver disease, poorly controlled diabetes, and hypertension shouldn?t take oral contraceptives since the risks outweigh the potential benefits.
Every woman should discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using oral contraceptives with their doctor before choosing them as a form of birth control. the good news is that taking the pill may not be so bad for most women ? and may offer some benefits.
Medscape.com website. "no Increased Risk of Death with the Pill". Accessed 03/29/10.
Related posts:
- Oral Contraceptives and Weight Gain ? What is the Truth?
- Benefits of Birth Control Contraceptives
- Everything You Need to Know About Oral Contraceptives, Fertility, and Pregnancy
- Health Canada Reviewing Safety of Drospirenone-Containing Oral Contraceptives (Yasmin and Yaz) and Risk of Venous Thromboembolism
- Can Oral Contraceptives Cause Candida?
Source: http://www.health198.com/new-benefits-of-taking-oral-contraceptives.html
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