The Safety of Long-Term Use of Oral Contraceptives

The Safety of Long-Term Use of Oral Contraceptives

Oral contraceptives, also known as birth control pills, have been used by women for several reasons.  They have been used for decades to prevent unintended pregnancy and treat many menstrual disorders, including pain, heavy bleeding, and to help lessen the symptoms of the menstrual period. While the use of hormonal birth control is considered safe, many women have questions about the long-term safety of oral contraceptives. In this blog post, we will discuss the safety of taking oral contraceptives for an extended period of time and the factors to consider when making a decision about birth control.

How long is it safe to take oral contraceptives?

There is no specific time limit for how long it is safe to take oral contraceptives. In general, the use of hormonal birth control is considered safe for many years, and some women take it for several decades.  Birth control only has an effect on fertility while one is actively taking it.  

Factors to consider when taking oral contraceptives

When deciding whether to use oral contraceptives, it is important to discuss your individual medical history and any current health conditions with your healthcare provider. Factors that can impact the safety of taking birth control pills include age, smoking status, blood pressure, family history of certain medical conditions, and any current medications you may be taking.

Regular check-ups and health screenings can help ensure the ongoing safety of hormonal birth control use. Your healthcare provider can monitor your health and adjust your birth control plan as needed to ensure your ongoing safety.

Benefits of taking oral contraceptives

In addition to preventing unintended pregnancy, oral contraceptives can offer several other health benefits. Hormonal birth control can help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, and treat certain medical conditions such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the use of oral contraceptives is considered safe for many women for several years. However, the length of time a woman can safely take birth control pills may vary based on her individual medical history and current health conditions. It is important to discuss your birth control options with your healthcare provider to determine the best form of birth control for you and to ensure your ongoing safety. Regular check-ups and health screenings can help ensure the ongoing safety of hormonal birth control use.

Author

Amanda Murphy, PA-C Amanda Murphy, PA-C is a board-certified Physician Assistant at Premier OB-Gyn with offices in Maitland and Oviedo, Florida. Amanda was born and raised in Palm Harbor, Florida. She attended Florida State University and obtained her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry. Amanda’s brother received a life-saving heart and double lung transplant, which shaped Amanda’s goals for her future. She attended the University of Texas Medical Branch and obtained her Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies. Amanda was the president of her class and involved in several organizations on campus. Amanda practiced Pulmonary Critical Care for nearly three years where she gained a wealth of knowledge and experience. She always had a passion for Women’s Health and started working in OB/Gyn, and completely fell in love with providing care for women. She enjoys delivering care to women of all ages and stages of life. She and her husband, Brendan, have two beautiful little girls named Abigail and Paige.