1. Can Birth Control Pills Reduce Libido?
While the theoretical answer to this question is yes, a recent evaluation of various combined studies, indicate that most birth control pill users reported either an increase or at worse, no significant change in libido.
In theory, most birth control pills or oral contraceptives cause a decline in plasma levels of free testosterone as well as an increase in sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG).
SHBG is a protein that the body uses to transport sex hormones in the blood. The higher the SHBG levels though, the lower the concentration of the active forms of these sex hormones available for use.
Following that theory, a reduction in free testosterone and an increase in SHBG should lead to a decrease in libido of women on birth control pills as testosterone is known to influence libido in women.
Interestingly though, in that combined study evaluation, which involved over 13,000 women, about 85% reported either an increase or no change at all in libido.
It is worth noting that this group were on birth control pills that contained 20-35 micro-grams of ethinylestradiol while the 15% who reported a decrease in libido were on pills containing only 15 micro-grams of ethinylestradiol .
While the study did not however draw a direct conclusion, it seems obvious that at the minimum, there is some correlation between a reported decrease in libido and birth control pills with lower levels of ethinylestradiol .
Check here for a list of the various combinations of birth control pills.
One of the possible explanations of observing a seemingly opposite result to the expected theory is that libido is not only influenced by hormones. It may be theorized that the peace of mind that comes with not having to worry about pregnancy may play a significant role in the seemingly observed increase in libido for women taking birth control pills.
2. Can Birth Control Pills Cause Urinary Tract Infections?
There is currently no reliable evidence that birth control pills increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Other forms of birth control like the diaphragm are more likely to increase this risk than birth control pills.
While UTIs are not sexually transmitted diseases, generally there is a higher incidence of UTIs among sexually active women.
Since the bulk of women on birth control pill are more likely to be sexually active, it may seem like it is the birth control pills causing that increase in UTIs. There is however no clinical evidence to back that currently.
3. Can Birth Control Pills Help with Regulating Periods?
The straightforward answer to this question is yes.
Traditionally birth control packs have had 21 active pills (containing active ingredients) and 7 placebo pills with bleeding occurring while taking the placebos.
To eliminate the cycle completely, women take these 21 pills continuously, skipping the placebos and thereby eliminating the bleeding period. There are actually birth control packs specifically designed for this that have only 21 pills and no placebos
Birth control pills may also be used to extend the time between periods. These are sometimes referred to as extended-cycle birth control pills and typically reduce the number of periods to 4 a year – once every 3 months and occurring in the 13th week.
Some of them have 84 active pills taken continuously followed by 7 days of either inactive pills or low dose estrogen. The low dose estrogen instead of placebos generally reduces the incidence of bloating that tends to occur during the period when the active pills are not being taken.
4. Can Birth Control Pills Cause Weight Gain?
Weight gain due to birth control pills is not as common with the newer generation of birth control pills as it was say 40 to 50 years ago when they were introduced.
The main culprit for weight gain in birth control pills is estrogen. High levels of estrogen in known to cause an increase in appetite as well as increased fluid retention.
Birth control pills these days contain on the average 20 to 50 micro-grams compared to sometimes as high as 150 micro-grams when they were first introduced.
Granted, you may experience some weight gain at the start of birth control pills, but this tends to be temporary as it is often due to fluid retention and not putting on any extra fat.
5. Can Birth Control Pills Help With Acne?
The simple answer is yes.
One of the causes of acne is an increase in androgens, which are male sex hormones. As explained in the first point above, birth control pills have the ability to decrease the amount of circulating androgens.
A decrease in the amount of circulating androgens, leads to a reduction in the production of sebum (an oily secretion from the skin) which ultimately leads to the control of acne.
It is worth noting that for birth control pills to be utilized for this purpose, it must contain both estrogen and progesterone. The progesterone only pills, sometimes referred to as the mini pill may actually worsen the acne.
6. Can Birth Control Cause Blood Clots?
While there is definitely a risk to develop blood clots while taking birth control pills, it is relatively minimal for an average women without other risk factors.
Some of these risk factors include:
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Genetic Predisposition to Blood Clots
- Women Over 40
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the chances are higher for a woman to develop a blood clot during pregnancy than while on a birth control pill.
Once again high levels of estrogen is associated with the formation of clots. Thus for women who have some of the outlined risk factors, a discussion with your doctor if a progestin only birth control is appropriate is highly recommended.
7. Can Birth Control Pills Prevent Sexually Transmitted diseases?
The answer to this question is an emphatic no.
There is no clinical evidence to suggest that birth control pills offers any kind of protection against HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases.