History Of The Birth Control Pill and The Dangers of It

History of the Birth Control Pill and The Dangers of It

by Pratiksha Singh

Originally the birth control pill was used for severe menstrual pain and not to be used as a contraceptive. The birth control pill was first approved in the late 1950’s by the FDA and in the 1960’s was approved to be used as a form of contraceptive. During the early 1960’s the birth control pill was a hit and many people started using it even though there were still 8 states that hadn’t approved it yet. It was found in the late 1960’s, that the birth control pill can cause blood clots, heart attacks, strokes, depression and weight gain. After this discovery, a lot of people turned away from the use of birth control which is completely understandable. Even in commercials today for different birth control pills such as Yaz, Yasmin, and Ocella which have been used in recent lawsuit commercials stating that they cause blood clots, heart attacks, strokes, pulmonary embolisms, and even sudden death.[1] It is common knowledge that all medications have side affects but when you hear sudden death that’s a lot more concerning!

            While taking the pill, there may be mild side affects such as weight gain, increased acne, mood swings, breast tenderness and some nausea. Most people think that these side affects come with just being a woman and they are bound to happen when you have your period anyways. Most women don’t mind these side affects and this doesn’t stop them from taking the pill. However, in more serious cases, it is said that birth control can cause yeast infections because the pill destroys the beneficial bacteria that is created in your intestines which then makes yeast grow even more. [2]

            In some studies its said that oral contraceptives might be linked to certain types of cancer. Although studies show that oral contraceptives might help reduce the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers, it is said that when using them for 5+ years, it might increase the risk of getting cervical cancer. [3]

            Before the term birth control was even invented by Margret Sanger in the early 1900’s, people used natural methods of birth control.1  Some of these methods were ingesting herbs or certain fruits like papaya (like the Native Americans) to help control your cycle. [4]Some people today still prefer these methods over the birth control pill or patch, the nuva  ring, or the depo shot.

            In my opinion, birth control is not a horrible thing as long as you are aware of the risks that it may have and you have researched your different options and talked to your doctor about it. Some people choose to not use birth control because they feel like its too risky (sudden death is pretty scary) and they would rather use more natural ways to control their cycle. Everyone has their own opinion and have the right to make their own decisions on if they want to use birth control or not.

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[1] Nikolchev, Alexandra. PBS, "Need To Know." Last modified May 7, 2010. Accessed April 25, 2014. http://whttp://www.pbs.org/wnet/need-to-know/health/a-brief-history-of-the-birth-control-pill/480/ww.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/oral-contraceptives. (Nikolchev May 7, 2010)

2 Body Ecology Inc., "Body Ecology." Last modified May 29, 2008. Accessed April 27, 2014. http://bodyecology.com/articles/dangers_birth_control_pill.php (“Body Ecology” May 29, 2008)

[3] National Institutes of Health, "National Cancer Institute." Last modified March 21, 2012. Accessed April 26, 2014. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/oral-contraceptives. ("National Cancer Institute" March 21, 2012)

[4] Moore, Crystal. "Native America Sexuality, Sexual Violation in the Conquest of the Americas." Acsessed April 28, 2014. Class Lecture, from Crystal Moore, Charlotte, January 1, 2014.