The birth control pill was first marketed in 1960 for one use and that was to prevent pregnancy. "Oral contraceptives (OCs) have been available for more than 40 years and are now the most common form of birth control in the United States." In addition to pills, there are now implants, patches …show more content…
"When over-the-counter medication don't help with sever cramps, birth control pill may be the solution because they prevent ovulation and lighten periods." As a result, a lighter period with less cramping gives women a way to manage day to day activities. "There's some theoretical justification for reducing the number of periods a women has or eliminating them all together. For one thing, menstruation brings considerable discomfort to some women, including severe cramps, mood swings, headaches, and heavy bleeding which may result in anemia." Birth control pills give women relief from these symptoms. "Symptoms of PMS such as mood swings, breast soreness, weight gain, and bloating along with acne can occur up to 2 weeks before a young women's period. Birth control pills may be prescribed to stop ovulation and keep hormone level balanced." Women are more productive instead of focusing on the physical side effects of PMS and their menstruation …show more content…
In "Cruel Cunning." The Conservative Voice, July 3, 2007 by Judie Brown she states "we also find new reports that low dose birth control pills can increase the user's risk of heart attack or stroke. While this has been pointed out repeatedly over the years there is new evidence that makes the point a bit stronger than earlier studies. This review focuses on the fact that women who use the pill for extended periods of time are at a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular problems." As a result doctors are more aware and look for symptoms of cardiovascular problems. For this reason, opponents believe that long term use of birth control, especially in women over 45, should be stopped. Though they make a good point, the risk of heart attacks and strokes are very low compared to the many more studies that show the benefits of oral contraceptives, such as helping to protect from ovarian cysts, alleviating pain from endometriosis, and reducing ovarian cancer. "The odds of ovarian cancer were reduced by up to 80% among pill users, depending on the oral contraceptive formulation." Today the benefits outweigh the risks of taking oral contraceptives for protecting women prone to reproductive diseases and a variety of other menstrual