The Effects of Birth Control Approaches

As highlighted by my classmate, birth control methods prevent pregnancy by preventing ovulation. Apart from clinical uses indicated, combination birth control pills are effective in reducing hot flashes and monthly cycle in perimonopause women (1) that use both progestin and estrogen. Apart from pregnancy prevention, treatment of disease, and dysfunction of the female body in the natural ageing process highlighted by my classmate, studies suggest that birth control methods have other side effects. For instance, birth control methods are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases. Specifically, contraceptives are associated with thromboembolic events (1). In addition, use of combined contraceptives may increase the risk of urinary albumin excretion and blood pressure (1). Studies suggest that contraceptive users on high doses are at a higher risk of hypertension compared to users on low doses of hormonal contraception (1). Cases of women aged between 30 and 34 years having myocardial infarction was high in women taking contraceptives (1). Hypertension and smoking are related to increased risk of myocardial infarction in hormonal contraceptive users (1). In addition, the risk happens to be high during the first year of use and increases in age. Myocardial infarction can lead to death. Stroke happens to be the other side effect of contraception use. It would be prudent to note that most migraines in women are caused by hormonal contraceptives.

Use of hormonal contraceptives also increases the risks of cancer. For instance, hormonal contraceptives may lead to growth and development of various types of cancer which are inclusive of, but they are not limited to; breast cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, colorectal cancer, cervical cancer, skin cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, and growth of neurofibromas (1). Apart from cardiovascular risk and cancer risk, hormonal contraceptives are associated with angioedema. This is more so the case given that the said contraception tends to exacerbate or induce angioedema. The said condition can lead to death or lead to airway obstruction. Peliosis Hepatic which is a fatal but rare liver condition is also caused by use of hormonal contraceptives (1). Other effects of hormonal contraception include vasculitis (1).