The pros and cons of the pill
Birth control pills, patch, ring, Depo-Provera shot or implant are all developed in order to perform the same action; to prevent pregnancy. These methods cease the development of two main hormones used in a woman's body in order to assist her in ovulation and the conceiving of a child.
Despite the positive outcome of protection, there are also negative side effects included in popping a pill.
According to Women's Health, some of the side effects that are commonly experienced as a result of oestrogen and progesterone birth control use include nausea, constipation, bloating, irregular menstruation and spotting, decreased libido, weight gain or loss of appetite and the possibility of mood swings, anxiety, nervousness or depression.
In 1996 the Collaborative Group on Hormonal Factors in Breast Cancer found a potential link between oral contraceptives and breast cancer. The study, which analyzed 53,297 women with breast cancer and 100,239 women without, found the risk was highest for women who started using oral contraceptives in their teens.
In contrast, the Women's Contraceptive and Reproductive Experiences (Women's CARE) examined the use of oral contraceptives as a risk factor for breast cancer in women ages 35 to 64 and found no correlation.
A study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal showed that women on the pill develop a deficiency of vitamin B complex, beta-carotene, magnesium, manganese, zinc, C, iron and antioxidants in general. Without these nutrients, it compromises the immune system and liver and increase risk of allergies. A decrease in zinc affects mental stability within the brain, which can cause a greater increase in anger, rage, depression and anxiety.
After long periods of use of birth control, some women have also experienced infertility. The body becomes dependant on the contraceptive, as it produces and prevents the production of certain hormones in the body. After going off birth control, the body must rebuild a child baring environment.
Nutritionists recommend those who are on birth control to consume vitamins that are depleted by birth control such as vitamin A, magnesium and zinc, which essential in a woman's body.
If choosing to go on birth control educate yourself and understand the risks. Some doctors recommend taking low doses and not staying on the drug for long periods of time, or take breaks if possible and use alternative methods.
For more information on birth control methods visit the Kennedy Fowler Clinic located in the Student Centre.
Despite the positive outcome of protection, there are also negative side effects included in popping a pill.
According to Women's Health, some of the side effects that are commonly experienced as a result of oestrogen and progesterone birth control use include nausea, constipation, bloating, irregular menstruation and spotting, decreased libido, weight gain or loss of appetite and the possibility of mood swings, anxiety, nervousness or depression.
In 1996 the Collaborative Group on Hormonal Factors in Breast Cancer found a potential link between oral contraceptives and breast cancer. The study, which analyzed 53,297 women with breast cancer and 100,239 women without, found the risk was highest for women who started using oral contraceptives in their teens.
In contrast, the Women's Contraceptive and Reproductive Experiences (Women's CARE) examined the use of oral contraceptives as a risk factor for breast cancer in women ages 35 to 64 and found no correlation.
A study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal showed that women on the pill develop a deficiency of vitamin B complex, beta-carotene, magnesium, manganese, zinc, C, iron and antioxidants in general. Without these nutrients, it compromises the immune system and liver and increase risk of allergies. A decrease in zinc affects mental stability within the brain, which can cause a greater increase in anger, rage, depression and anxiety.
After long periods of use of birth control, some women have also experienced infertility. The body becomes dependant on the contraceptive, as it produces and prevents the production of certain hormones in the body. After going off birth control, the body must rebuild a child baring environment.
Nutritionists recommend those who are on birth control to consume vitamins that are depleted by birth control such as vitamin A, magnesium and zinc, which essential in a woman's body.
If choosing to go on birth control educate yourself and understand the risks. Some doctors recommend taking low doses and not staying on the drug for long periods of time, or take breaks if possible and use alternative methods.
For more information on birth control methods visit the Kennedy Fowler Clinic located in the Student Centre.
