Reasons to Take Birth Control

The pill is an oral contraceptive that comes in a pack of 21 or 28 pills which you take every day to prevent pregnancy. There are many benefits and risks to consider when deciding to take birth control.

Prevent Pregnancy

• Birth control pills are hormones used to stop the release of eggs from your ovaries, thin your uterus and thicken cervical mucus. PlannedParenthhood.org states that, "Less than 1 out of 100 women will get pregnant each year if they always take the pill each day as directed."

Ease

• The pill is simple and convenient to take for preventing pregnancy. When you decide to have children, it is easy to just stop taking the birth control to get pregnant.

Menstrual Changes

• When you take a birth control pill, you may be able to reduce painful cramps, have lighter periods and lessen premenstrual symptoms like headaches and depression.

Prevent Periods

• MayoClinic.com describes the "extended-cycle regimen, Lybrel, is a low-dose pill that's designed to be taken continuously for one year, with no breaks for hormone-free intervals." A pill like Lybrel will stop your period from occurring for an entire year.

Health

• A combination hormone birth control pill can affect your general health, offering protection against acne, ectopic pregnancy, iron deficiency anemia, certain cancers and ovarian cysts according to PlannedParenthood.com.