Birth Control Pill:- Taking birth control pills is very common these days. A small pill that makes life easier. But have you ever wondered if this convenience comes with a significant risk?
Many people say, “Pills are safe, even doctors recommend them,” but studies tell a different story. According to some studies, they prevent unwanted pregnancy, but also increase the risk of breast cancer. In today’s article, we’ll understand the link between birth control pills and breast cancer. We’ll also learn when it’s safe to take them and when it’s not.
Table of Contents
Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills, or oral contraceptives, are a common method of preventing pregnancy these days. This means that even if a couple is not planning to have children, using contraception can still help prevent unwanted pregnancies.
These pills contain hormones that prevent ovulation, the release of an egg. When ovulation does not occur, the chances of pregnancy are greatly reduced. These same hormones also cause changes in breast tissue, slightly increasing the risk of cancer.
This risk is particularly relevant for women who are currently taking these pills or have recently stopped taking them. Therefore, those who have recently or are currently taking these pills should be aware of this.
According to the World Health Organization, India has the highest incidence of breast cancer. This means that breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Breast cancer leads not only in cases but also in deaths. These statistics are a serious warning about the importance of awareness and timely screening.
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Study for Birth Control Pills
In 2017, a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine examined a possible link between hormonal contraceptives, such as birth control pills, and breast cancer. The results of the study showed that women taking hormonal contraceptives have a slightly increased risk of breast cancer. This means they have a significantly higher risk of developing breast cancer. This study is important because it aims to raise awareness so people can make informed decisions.
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Percentage of Risk of Birth Control Pills
According to studies, taking combined oral contraceptive pills can increase the risk of breast cancer by 20 to 24%, and if you take progestin-only pills, this risk can increase by 20 to 30%.
But these figures only reflect relative risks, meaning they are provided for comparison purposes only. The absolute risk, meaning the actual chance of developing breast cancer, is still quite low. Simply put, if you take these pills, your risk increases slightly, but not significantly. Therefore, there’s no need to panic. The most important thing is to be mindful of your health, consult your doctor, and get regular checkups. There is a link between hormonal contraceptives and breast cancer, but it’s more important to understand it, not to panic.
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Who Should Avoid Hormonal Pills
If a woman has had breast cancer before, especially if it was a hormone-sensitive tumor, she should avoid taking hormonal birth control pills. In such cases, these pills can affect the body’s hormones, increasing the risk of cancer recurrence. In such situations, it is important to consult a doctor to choose a safe and appropriate contraceptive option.
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Safer Alternatives for Birth Control Pills
In such cases, using non-hormonal contraceptive methods is the safest option. You have several options available, such as the copper IUD, which works without hormones and provides long-term protection.
Also, male or female condoms are a simple and readily available option that protects against pregnancy as well as TI. Some people also use barrier methods like diaphragms, cervical caps, or spermicidal gels. These options provide protection against pregnancy without introducing additional hormones into the body, so they are best for those who need to avoid hormonal pills.
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Some additional doubts:
Question: Which pill is best for birth control?
Answer: No best bill is perfect for all, it is prescribed by a doctor as per your health and hormones.
Question: What are alternatives to the pill?
Answer: Alternatives to the birth control pill are copper IUD, condoms, diaphragm, and other barrier methods.
Question: What is the most popular birth control pill?
Answer: Combined oral contraceptive pills are popular birth control pills because they are widely available and effective.
Question: What exactly do birth control pills do?
Answer: Birth control pills help to stop ovulation so that the chances of pregnancy are decreased.
Question: When is the best time to take birth control pills?
Answer: You may take this according to your doctor’s advice, or take it daily at the same time; this will make it more effective and reduce the risk of forgetting to take it.
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References Link:-
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Combined Hormonal Birth Control: Pill, Patch and Ring. Accessed 7/5/2023.
- American Academy of Family Physicians. Progestin-Only Birth Control Pills. Accessed 7/5/2023.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reproductive Health. Contraception. Accessed 7/5/2023.
- Cooper DB, Patel P, Mahdy H. Oral Contraceptive Pills. November 24, 2022. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; Jan 2023-. Accessed 7/5/2023.
- Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Population Affairs. Contraception and Preventing Pregnancy. Accessed 7/5/2023.
- Planned Parenthood. Birth Control Pill. Accessed 7/5/2023.