What Are the Benefits of Oral Contraceptive Pills for Teens With PCOS?

Teenagers and younger adults frequently receive oral supplements (also referred to as “the Pill”) to treat Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and a variety of other issues including absent or irregular periods, cramps, acne, PMS, and endometriosis. Taking birth control pills orally reduces the amount of hormones in individuals with PCOS, leading to regularity for their menstrual cycles. Patches (Ortho-Evra, Xulane) involving hormones and a vaginal ring inserted with hormones (NuvaRing) may help reduce the amount of hormones in people with PCOS.

What are oral contraceptive pills?

Pills used for birth control have two kinds of artificial female hormones: progestin and estrogen. Similar hormones are made by the ovaries. There are many different kinds of oral contraceptives.

A brief history:

When the oral contraceptive pill was made available to U.S. women in the 1970s, it completely transformed their lives. For the very first time, women had the liberty and capability to get a university degree, make more money, and have full control over when to have a baby and how frequent. Besides the advantages, taking the contraceptive pill also resulted in healthier pregnancies for both women and the children they had. The evidence shows that allowing people to make decisions about reproduction can have a beneficial effect on the financial well-being of both children and adults.

The pill is a great tool to prevent any unintended pregnancies, however it can also be used to treat several medical conditions such as acne, headaches, and mood swings. Furthermore, taking birth control can help reduce the pain and irritation associated with menstruation and hormone variability.

It may look like it would be a smart move for women to begin taking oral contraceptives or other hormonal forms of contraception when they become sexually active, but this is not always the appropriate action. This piece will investigate when it is suitable to begin using contraception and the perks that young women may have from taking birth control pills.

Why do women take birth control?

A lot of female individuals begin taking birth control pills in order to avert an undesired pregnancy. At the present time, 61 million women in the USA who are in the age range between 15 and 44 are within childbearing years. Seventy percent of female people are in danger of having a child without prior intention, which means that they have a sexual life, but don’t want to get pregnant. Teenage females aged 15 to 19 are the most likely to become pregnant unintentionally.

It is believed that if women of this age group were to become pregnant abruptly, it would cause the biggest upheaval in their lives. Research has shown that approximately four out of every ten adolescents aged 15 to 19 have had some sort of sexual activity. Nearly all sexually active teenagers are utilizing some form of contraception. The most common forms are:

Male Condoms

A man wearing a condom should put a thin covering over his erect penis. Condoms can help prevent pregnancy as well as any Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), as this is the only form of birth control that offers protection against STIs.

Withdrawal

The withdrawal birth control method, usually referred to as the “pull out” technique, is a type of contraception where the penis is removed from the vagina before ejaculation occurs in order to avoid pregnancy. This approach may come off as straightforward, but other strategies are more successful.

The Pill

Contraceptive pills are a widely used means of contraception and can help in avoiding conception. Those with uteri should swallow a pill every day, and make sure to have it with a glass of water. If the pill is taken correctly as directed, it offers a very successful rate of avoiding pregnancy. The combination pill that contains estrogen and progesterone could have beneficial effects on one’s health including enhancing the strength of their bones and increasing the amount of ‘good’ cholesterol. Individuals who take the contraceptive pill have the choice of making their periods optional by omitting the placebo tablets at the completion of every pack.

There is a large number of teenagers participating in sexual activity, so it is pivotal that they have access to trustworthy contraceptives that will keep them safe. Although many adults might not be pleased with this state of affairs, it is necessary for younger generations to be provided with this protection.

Men’s condoms are scientifically proven to be 82% effective, while the withdrawal method boasts a success rate of 78%. Contrastingly, the pill has a success rate of 91%. Out of these three types of contraception generally used by adolescents, they are given ultimate authority over their own birth control for teens.

What is the youngest that a woman can start birth control?

Average age to start birth control

Teenagers typically begin to use the pill at age 16. Most young women around this age have begun to have regular periods. Certain adolescents are eager to begin taking the pill at an earlier age, but it’s essential to talk this over with a health care provider first.

Females aged 15-19 are more prone to unplanned pregnancy, explaining why sixteen is typically the age when people commence taking birth control.

What factors should you consider before starting birth control?

It is critical to assess the mental maturity of the individual because the medication needs to be taken according to an appointed timetable or routine. Subsequent to this, failing to take the pill correctly results in significantly reduced advantages. Though one missed pill might not make a huge difference when taken with your next pill the day after, it’s advisable to create a pattern to avoid anxiousness. The mini pill, otherwise known as the progesterone-only pill, must be taken at the exact same time every day if contraception is wished for.

Best birth control for teens

IUD or Implant

They say “set it and forget it,” which may be hard for teenagers to do, as their lives can get rather hectic and be hard to keep track of. It could be challenging for teens to remember to take their birth control each day and at the same time. An IUD provides 3-10 years of effective contraception (depending on the type you select), so you won’t need to worry about birth control for a long time. The implant has to be switched out every three years as well.

Condoms

Wearing condoms is essential for avoiding accidental pregnancies and stopping the spread of sexually transmitted infections. Young people who engage in sex should use condoms to make sure they stay healthy sexually. In contrast to an IUD, implant, or oral contraception, this form of birth control does not offer any medical advantages, such as providing assistance with problems related to polycystic ovary syndrome and allowing you the option of having no period at all.

The Pill

Using combined oral contraceptive pills is an effective treatment for acne and unpleasant, prolonged menstrual cycles. It is best to take the pill regularly on a daily schedule, at the same time each day. The pill is a great choice for many females since it has an extensive range of 40 versions, so if one does not meet your needs, there are plenty of others to select from.

What are some of the possible medical benefits of oral contraceptive pills for young people with PCOS?

• Regular and Lighter Periods: Oral contraceptive pills can help to regulate your menstrual cycle so your period comes about every 28 days or less often on extended pill cycles. The Pill usually causes lighter periods, too. This is important because not having your periods may result in excess growth of the lining inside your uterus, called the endometrium. Excess growth can lead to prolonged and heavy periods, or eventually a condition called endometrial hyperplasia. This is a precursor to endometrial cancer, therefore it is very important to ensure the endometrium is being shed in a daily or cyclic fashion.
• Less Unwanted Hair: Oral contraceptive pills can lower androgen hormone levels and lessen the amount of excess hair growth (also called “hirsutism”). It can take 6 months before there’s a decrease in unwanted hair on the face, chest, back, and stomach.
• Clearer Skin: Oral contraceptive pills can improve acne. The hormones in most types of the Pill can help stop acne from forming. Be patient though, it can take a few months to see an improvement.
• Fewer or Milder Cramps, or No Cramps: Oral contraceptive pills can help to lessen menstrual cramps.
• Other Medical Benefits: Because there is less menstrual bleeding with the use of oral contraceptive pills, people taking the Pill are less likely to become anemic. Oral contraceptive pills also decrease your chance of getting endometrial (lining of the uterus) cancer, ovarian cancer, and ovarian cysts.

What are the possible side effects of the oral contraceptive pill?

Most individuals who take the oral contraceptive pill do not suffer any adverse consequences, however it is not uncommon to experience irregularities in menstruation, queasiness, headaches, or changes in weight. Every form of oral birth control pill can have a distinct impact on youth.

• Spotting (you usually don’t need to use a regular pad, just a panty shield) or very light bleeding: This may occur during the first 1–3 weeks of starting the Pill, or if you miss a pill. If the bleeding becomes heavier or lasts more than a few days or the bleeding happens after you have been on the pill for a few months, you should talk with your health care provider.
• Nausea (or feeling like you need to throw up): Nausea occasionally occurs when you first start taking the Pill and will often go away in a few days. It is less likely to occur if the Pill is taken after dinner or with a bedtime snack.
• Headaches: Headaches may occur because of stress at school or home, too little sleep, sinus infections, or migraines. The Pill can make headaches better or worse. If your health care provider thinks your headaches are related to the Pill, he/she may prescribe an oral contraceptive pill with a lower amount of estrogen or have you stop the Pill for a short time. If you have migraine headaches, talk to your health care provider about whether the Pill is right for you.
• Mood changes: Feeling up and down emotionally can sometimes happen to anyone and is unlikely to be caused by the Pill. Exercising regularly and following a healthy diet may help along with talking to a counselor. Make sure you let your health care provider know how you are feeling.
• Sore or enlarged breasts: Sometimes, your breasts may become tender and/ or get larger, but usually they will stay the same.
• Weight change: Some teens gain weight and some teens lose weight while on the Pill, but most stay exactly the same. Remember to choose healthy foods, watch your portion sizes, drink lots of water, and get plenty of exercise.
• Blood clots: A blood clot in your leg or lung is a very rare, but a serious side–effect. If you suddenly have pain or swelling in your leg, or shortness of breath and chest pain, see your health care provider right away. If you have a history of blood clots, you should not take the Pill. Tell your health care provider if any of your relatives have ever had blood clots, especially when they were young. Blood clots are more likely to develop if you are a smoker, overweight, having surgery, have a family history, or sitting on a plane for a long time. To lessen your chance of blood clots, don’t smoke, and if you’re on a long plane trip, get up, walk around, and drink lots of water. If you have a family history of blood clots, talk to your HCP. If you’re scheduled for surgery, talk to your health care provider about stopping the Pill for 3–4 weeks before surgery and after the surgery until you have recovered.

If you experience any adverse effects while taking the Pill, they will likely be mild and should resolve themselves within the initial 3-4 months of usage. If you experience any adverse reactions, contact your healthcare provider. If the adverse effects of the medication are uncomfortable or don’t dissipate, your healthcare provider may substitute the oral contraceptive pills for a different type.

Are there any reasons why I shouldn’t take the oral contraceptive pill?

In many cases, adolescents may be able to take the birth control pill to address PCOS, however, some are unable to do so since the pill contains both estrogen and progestin, which are contraindicated to certain medical conditions. If this is the case, a health care provider can discuss alternative medications to treat PCOS.

Reasons why you should NOT take combined oral contraceptives:

• History of blood clots
• Migraine headaches with aura (spots and flashing lights or difficulty seeing 5 to 30 minutes before the headache starts), or neurological symptoms (numbness, loss of speech)
• Certain kinds of heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Active hepatitis (liver disease)
• Jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes during a previous pregnancy)