8 unexpected health benefits of birth control
Birth control does more than prevent unplanned pregnancy.
Jan 18, 2026
Written byOlivia DeLong
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Slide 1
About 7 in 8 sexually active women between ages 15 and 49 use contraception to avoid pregnancy, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a leading organization in reproductive policy and research. About 1 in 5 of those people take birth control pills.
While most people use birth control pills to prevent unplanned pregnancies or to space out their pregnancies, the pill can also do some other pretty amazing things. Taking birth control pills may reduce menstrual pain, acne breakouts, and more.
It’s important to talk with an OBGYN about your body and your menstrual cycles to better understand the right option for you. Meanwhile, here are eight things oral contraceptives can do besides reduce your chances of getting pregnant.
Sources (14)
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- Cleveland Clinic. 7 Benefits of Skipping Periods With Birth Control. October 5, 2020.
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