BIRTH CONTROL or "THE PILL"
Oh boy I’m about to get controversial up in here! Hang on with me! Today’s GIANT topic is about BIRTHCONTROL yep you heard me. Ahhhh!!!
‼️Disclaimer‼️ regarding this post: it is outside my scope of practice to ever recommend someone come off medications their doctor has prescribed for them, however it is in my scope to educate my patients and friends. That is the simple stance I’m taking. If you have questions regarding the pill and the reasons you’ve been prescribed it. That is absolutely a conversation you and your medical doctor should have.
So what’s the big deal?
Did you know that an estimated 150 million women worldwide take birth control pills?
Such widespread use of birth control pills worries me because many women are not aware of the serious health implications of these drugs. I also believe that birth control pills are often prescribed to address symptoms (like cramping, spotting, irregular periods and acne) instead of the underlying causes of the symptoms.
Many women do not consider the very real (and sometimes very dangerous) side effects of these synthetic hormones, but you owe it to your body, and to your future children, to find out more.When you take birth control pills, you impose synthetic hormones on your natural cycle.
Many birth control pills contain high levels of estrogen that effectively convince your pituitary gland that you are pregnant (this explains some of the side effects of the drugs) and that you don’t need to ovulate. Because your body thinks you are pregnant, the uterine lining thickens. Once you start the placebo pills, however, your estrogen level drops suddenly, and your body menstruates “normally.”
This abnormal cycle is what millions of women experience every month, and yet few doctors discuss the consequences of taking these prescriptions for year after year.
What are the side effects?
Here is an overview of the reported risks and side effects of birth control pills.
Some physical and emotional changes take place that are permanent while you stay on the pill. Many of these changes occur as your body’s response to synthetic estrogen.
These changes include:
* Larger breasts
* Weight gain or loss
* Reduced or increased acne
* Slight nausea
* Emotional sensitivity right before your period
* Mood swings throughout your cycle
* Irregular bleeding or spotting
* Breast tenderness
* Decreased libido
The above side effects might be enough to deter some women from taking birth control, but many women are just not aware of them, while others justify the side effects because the pill is so convenient.
But imagine taking your birth control pill, feeling depressed and then taking an antidepressant to handle your mood swings and hypersensitivity. Adding an antidepressant could then contribute to even lower libido, which would surely be noticed by you and your partner.
My point is that birth control pills are a prescription drug with very real ramifications on your overall health!!
What are the long term effects?
Even scarier than the “mild” side effects are the serious health risks that accompany birth control pills. These include:
* Increased risk of cervical and breast cancers
* Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
* Migraines
* Higher blood pressure
* Gall bladder disease
* Infertility
* Benign liver tumors
* Decreased bone density
* Yeast overgrowth and infection
* Increased risk of blood clotting
Cancer, heart disease, stroke, infertility. Surely these side effects make birth control pills a less than desirable option for contraception. And now that heart disease has become the LEADING cause of death among women, one has to wonder if there is a connection between the widespread and long-term use of oral contraceptives, which debuted in 1960... just as the first of the baby boomers were entering their teens.
Yeast overgrowth and yeast infections (candida), too, are particularly dangerous to your overall health.Birth control pills actually destroy the beneficial bacteria in your intestines, making you more susceptible to yeast overgrowth, lower immunity and infection.
What about my horrific periods?
If you’ve exhausted natural options then I’d talk with your doctor about this. If you haven’t then I’d encourage you to seek alternative therapies first before using the pill to manage PMS symptoms. You’d be surprised what natural options are out there.
What about my diagnosed condition? (Endometriosis etc.) please consult your doctor for the best recommendations. Do your own research before that visit so you are fully prepared.
What are my options besides the pill?
Introducing the ladycomp . This is a little computer thermometer that reads your oral temperature every morning. It stands at a 99.3% accuracy rating. Which is higher then most birth control pills.
Lady Comp is programmed with decades worth of natural family planning research data, contains a database of more than 1 million cycles and uses bio-mathematical forecasting calculations as well as the very latest computer programming. It is a personal fertility monitor which learns and adjusts to your individual cycle, accommodating most cycle irregularities and varying cycle lengths.
Does It really work?
Yes!!! it does work. I personally have a few friends who used the ladycomp to help them avoid pregnancy and one to help her get pregnant.I’ve personally used it for over 2 years. It is simple and incredibly reliable. I had my doubts in the beginning so I also charted my cycle using an incredible fertility app called Kindara. This app is a wonderful tool to help you learn your body and how you function and what your “normal” is. Many woman use this app when coming off the pill to help them learn and adjust without it.
Is it realistic to maintain?
Yes this little computer is battery operated and the customer service is very helpful should something malfunction with your device. If you have a semi regular life routine you should have no problem taking your temperature within the same hour every morning. The online testimonies are awesome and definitely encouraging.
Other options?
The Kindara app has come out with a similar version called “Wink”. It has many reviews. What I’ve read it seems comparable. It requires use with the Kindaraapp however.
I had already purchased the ladycomp before knowing of Wink.
Who benefits from this type of natural contraceptive?
* You do not want to take synthetic hormones.
* You have side effects with the intake of hormones(can be any).
* You want to be in tune with your body.
* You cannot take hormonal birth control.
* You suffer from low libido.
* You are at higher risk for blood clots.
* You suffer from migraines.
* You want to conceive a baby when you are ready to in the future.
If your thinking is this even safe? This GIRL must be taking CRAZY PILLS! I don’t think I know enough to do this? This is a SERIOUS risk!Then let me recommend you buy and read this book first before making a switch. It’s called Taking Charge of Your Fertility. This book is a game changer. To no longer have to take birth control pills the rest of my life or use some other type of birth control is TRUE BODY FREEDOM for me and all woman!!