Can birth control be used to treat medical conditions?

Question

I take birth control pills to treat a medical condition. I am not sexually active or using it for contraception.

Why do people always assume I take it to not get pregnant?

A friend of mine laughed and said "People don't take bc for medical conditions."

Answer 1

Actually, woman do take birth control for medical conditions. Conditions related to hormonal levels, especially estrogen, respond well to bc pills. These would include polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, anemia related to menstruation, adenomyosis, and painful menstruation (called dysmenorrhea). Some even take it for mild to moderate acne control (which is also hormonally related).

However, the most common reason for prescribing these is to prevent conception (they are contraceptives after all).

So your friend is obviously not a healthcare practitioner. ANd rude besides. Why you take the pill is your business, and not hers, even if you were sexually active.

Answer 2

I know birth control can be used to regulate periods and some can be taken to control acne. There has also been research that suggests extended use may help to prevent breast cancer. But other than that the only medical condition bc pills prevent is pregnancy (my non-doctoral opinion, of course)

Answer 3

Hi Latrice,

I guess it is not a big leap for someone to assume if you are taking bc pills that you taking them not to get pregnant.

Anyhow about your Endometriosis. Maybe the bc pill helps with reducing the symptoms, but does it treat the root problem? Here is a natural cure you might want to consider called Stop Fibroids. See the link below for more info.

Good Luck

Answer 4

Yes they do.  It is a great way to level out your estrogen and help your hormones remain consistent.  

i found this caption on yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com

Initial clinical trials have found the new pills to be as effective in preventing pregnancy as other forms of oral contraception as well as helping alleviate symptoms such as dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia and menstrual migraines. The new extended birth control pills may be available by prescription soon. Women interested in the new pill should consult with their ObGyn.

Answer 5

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...