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These documents are for informational purposes only and are not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Ask Dr. Cullins: Birth Control



Q:  Does using the pill really help cure acne?

A:  Yes. Less acne is one of the many non-contraceptive advantages to using combined hormone methods of birth control — the pill, the patch, and the ring. The other non-contraceptive advantages include
  • less menstrual flow and cramping
  • fewer ectopic pregnancies (those in a fallopian tube)
  • fewer noncancerous breast growths
  • fewer ovarian cysts
  • reduced risk of cancer of the lining of the uterus and of the ovaries
  • less iron deficiency anemia that results from heavy menses
  • fewer premenstrual symptoms, as well as related headaches and depression
  • protection against osteoporosis — loss of bone mass
  • less chance of infection of the fallopian tubes (pelvic inflammatory disease), which often leads to infertility
  • less excess body hair
  • less vaginal dryness and painful intercourse associated with menopause

In fact, as many as one third of the prescriptions written for the pill are not written for birth control; they are written for the non-contraceptive benefits.


This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.


Published: 12.13.05 | Updated: 02.27.07

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