Am I a Good Candidate for Birth Control Pills?

There are more birth control options than ever, which gives women many choices to find what works best for them. One popular type — birth control pills — can not only prevent pregnancy, but can also provide other medical benefits.

Daniel Esteves, MD and his team in Lawrenceville, Georgia, helps women address a wide range of health needs throughout their lives. Whether it's finding the right birth control, navigating pregnancy and childbirth, or undergoing menopause, we offer state-of-the-art technology and equipment along with personalized care for the best possible experience.

Birth control pills

There are several types of birth control pills. The combination pill contains two hormones — progestin and estrogen — and is more than 99 percent effective when taken correctly. The minipill has progestin only and has about a 95 percent success rate when used as directed.

Good candidates for birth control pills

Many women make good candidates for birth control pills but they are an even better choice for women looking to address some of the following issues.

Irregular periods

Women who suffer from irregular periods or heavy bleeding can benefit from birth control pills which typically regulate periods and result in lighter bleeding. By skipping placebo pills periods can also be scheduled to avoid a vacation or other big event.

Period side effects

Birth control pills can also reduce unpleasant side effects related to the period and changing hormones in general such as menstrual pain, hormonal acne, menstrual migraines, and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

Certain health problems

Birth control pills can help women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) control their symptoms and aid in the management of endometriosis by skipping periods. They can also reduce the risk of ovarian cysts and anemia as well as uterine cancer.

Who should avoid birth control pills?

While birth control pills have many benefits, they are not for everyone. Individuals looking for protection against sexually transmitted diseases would need to use a second form of birth control such as a condom.

In addition, they should not be used by women with certain health conditions. Pregnant women should avoid them as should those who are 35 or older and either smoke or have stopped smoking in the last year. Women who are very overweight may also not be the best candidates or those who have had blood clots, a stroke, a heart abnormality or heart disease, migraines with aura, issues with their liver or gallbladder or breast cancer.

Ultimately, choosing which type of birth control to use is a personal decision that can benefit from a discussion with a knowledgeable medical professional who can help a woman figure out what is right for her. If you're thinking about birth control pills or another type of contraception, call our office at 770-676-5878 for an appointment today or book one online.