Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

In addition to preventing pregnancy, experts are sure that birth control pills can do a lot of good things for your body. They may even help prevent some forms of cancer.

Most birth control pills contain a combination of two hormones - estrogen and progesterone. This combination works by sending a message to the ovaries not to produce an egg. As a result, the ovaries get more rest and with less going on in the ovary, there is less chance for cancer to develop.

There is also less of a chance to develop cancer of the endometrium (lining of the uterus or womb) because taking the pill will make your periods lighter. Again, with less going on, there is less chance for cancer.

With lighter periods, there is less blood loss and the woman should feel stronger and more energetic. In addition, periods are usually much less painful because the pill stops ovulation (release of an egg) and there is less hormone in the body to cause cramps.

Taking pills will decrease the risk for getting cysts on the ovaries because they develop when there is ovulation. Also breast cysts are less likely to develop when the pill is taken.

The Pill prevents pregnancy by thickening the mucus that sperm would have to swim through to fertilize an egg. This makes it more difficult for germs to get into the uterus causing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and damage to the reproductive organs.

There are some people who should not take the pill because of certain health risks. Discuss the risks and benefits with your health care professional.  For more information about birth control methods contact  Genesee County Health Department Family Planning Services at McCree North at (810) 600-2439 or at Burton at (810) 237-4538.