Monday, December 15, 2008

Birth Control Pills and Health Concerns

Back when the first birth control pill was introduced to the public in 1960, it was considered the most amazing medical discovery for women and contraception. Thanks to the invention of the oral contraceptive pill, women of that time had a safer and more convenient way to control their chances of getting pregnant.

Up to this day, the pill, as it is commonly called nowadays, remains one of the most commonly used female birth control products since the first time it was launched for sale. With more or less 100 million American women trusting the pill, more and more women are using it.

But over the years, a lot of health concerns have surfaced regarding oral contraceptives. There are the occasional side effects that a lot of women complain about. Such side effects as weight gain, nausea, headaches, and loss of libido have been reasons for concern. Also, back in the 70s, reported increased risks of blood clot formation and cardiac problems, among other diseases, have alarmed women wanting to use oral contraceptive pills.

Another source for concern is the fact that certain conditions may be aggravated by the use of pills. Women with unexplained vagina bleeding, liver diseases, migraine, and have a history of cardiovascular or blood clotting diseases, or any form of cancer are strongly discouraged to use the pill to avoid health complications.

Since its original launch in the 60s, a lot of brands like Triphasil and Ortho Tri Cyclen have come up to give more freedom to choose which kind they want to take, and from which manufacturer. Also, a great thing about medicines is that they are continuously being improved to further help consumers. Health concerns like blood clot formations and cardiovascular complications have been resolved by making pill variants that contain lower doses.

Of course, there are still some unresolved health concerns to find solutions for, but for the meantime, it's good news for women to know that as time progresses, each concern is being addressed to come up with a better, safer, more effective oral contraceptive pill that will work to the benefit of women taking it.

Do not forget to consult your trusted physician before taking oral contraceptive pills. This is to ensure that you are cleared to use the birth control product. Again, keep in mind that the birth control pill is not for all women.

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