If you think birth control pills are only about preventing pregnancy, you're missing out on some pretty incredible health benefits. According to the Guttmacher Institute, 58% of all pill users rely on birth control at least in part for purposes other than pregnancy prevention, and 14% use it exclusively for non-contraceptive reasons. That's 1.5 million women who've discovered what many teens don't know: birth control can be a total game-changer for your overall health and quality of life.
For teens especially, these benefits can be life-changing. Further research shows that teens aged 15-19 who use the pill are more likely to do so for non-contraceptive purposes (82%) than for birth control (67%). Whether you're dealing with painful periods, stubborn acne, or just want more predictable cycles, birth control might be the solution you've been looking for.
Let's explore the seven most surprising benefits of birth control pills that go way beyond pregnancy prevention.
If your periods feel like your body is staging a monthly rebellion, you're not alone. Many teens experience irregular, heavy, or incredibly painful periods—and birth control can help with all of these issues.
Birth control pills make your periods more regular and predictable by providing steady hormone levels throughout the month. Instead of your hormones fluctuating wildly (which is what causes irregular periods), the pill keeps everything balanced.
Traditional birth control pills work on a 28-day cycle: you take hormone-containing pills for 21 days, then inactive pills for 7 days. During that week of inactive pills, you get your period—and you'll know exactly when it's coming.
The hormones in birth control pills make the lining of your uterus thinner, which means less tissue to shed during your period. This results in lighter periods and often significantly reduced cramping.
For many teens, this means:
Here's something really cool: it's completely safe to skip your period using birth control pills.
You can skip the inactive pill week and go straight to a new pack, avoiding your period for special events, vacations, or just because you don't want to deal with it.
Extended-cycle pills are specifically designed for this, giving you only four periods per year instead of twelve.
Thinking about taking contraception? Explore our birth control methods to find options that work best for your lifestyle and period management goals.
If you're tired of trying countless face washes, creams, and treatments that don't work, birth control might be the acne solution you haven't considered yet.
Acne during your teen years isn't just "part of growing up"—it's directly related to hormones. When testosterone levels rise (which happens naturally during puberty), your skin produces more oil, leading to clogged pores and breakouts.
Birth control pills containing estrogen help reduce testosterone levels in your body, which means less oil production and clearer skin.
According to the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, low-estrogen triphasic birth control pills are the most effective at clearing skin. The FDA has also actually approved specific birth control pills for treating acne:
It's important to know that birth control doesn't work overnight for acne. It can take several months to see significant improvement, so patience is key. But for many teens, the wait is totally worth it.
The World Health Organization reports that Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects 6-13% of women of reproductive age, including 3-11% of teenage patients. If you have PCOS, birth control can be a first-line treatment that addresses multiple symptoms at once.
PCOS is a hormonal condition where your ovaries produce excess testosterone, leading to:
Combination birth control pills (containing both estrogen and progestin) can help manage PCOS by regulating hormonal imbalances. They work by:
Research also shows that birth control can alleviate PCOS symptoms such as excess hair growth, irregular periods, and acne, sometimes stopping them entirely.
PCOS doesn't just affect your physical health—it can impact your mental wellbeing too. Studies show that teenagers with PCOS have significantly more body image concerns. By helping manage the physical symptoms of PCOS, birth control can also improve confidence and quality of life.
Have PCOS symptoms? Book a visit with our provider and discuss birth control options that can help manage PCOS symptoms effectively.
This might be the most surprising benefit of all: taking birth control pills can actually lower your risk of certain types of cancer.
Women who have taken birth control have a 30% to 50% lower risk of ovarian cancer than women who have never taken the pill. Even more impressive? The longer you take it, the more protection you get, and this reduced risk lasts up to 30 years after you stop taking the pill.
Birth control pills can reduce the risk of endometrial cancer by at least 30%. This protection comes from the progestin in birth control pills, which keeps the lining of your uterus thin.
These cancer-protective effects happen because birth control prevents ovulation. Each time you ovulate, there's cellular activity in your ovaries that, over many years, can increase cancer risk. By preventing ovulation, birth control gives your ovaries a "rest."
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to your uterine lining grows outside your uterus, causing intense pain. About 4% of pill users take birth control specifically to treat endometriosis.
While birth control doesn't cure endometriosis, it can help control pain by stopping your periods. Less menstruation means less pain from endometrial tissue growth.
Progestin-only pills may be particularly effective for endometriosis because progestins have demonstrated benefits in reducing pain and suppressing endometriotic lesions.
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form in your ovaries during ovulation. While usually harmless, they can be painful and concerning. By preventing ovulation, hormonal birth control can prevent these cysts from forming and stop existing ones from regrowing.
This is especially helpful for people with PCOS, who often develop multiple small cysts in their ovaries.
If you experience mood swings, bloating, breast tenderness, or headaches before your period, birth control might provide relief.
Birth control can ease PMS symptoms like mood swings, breast soreness, weight gain, bloating, and acne by evening out hormone levels during your cycle. Instead of the dramatic hormone fluctuations that cause PMS, the pill provides steady hormone levels.
Menstrual migraines are triggered by the drop in estrogen and progesterone right before your period. Hormonal birth control methods that allow you to skip your period can help avoid this hormone drop and prevent migraines.
Understanding these benefits can help you make an informed decision about whether birth control is right for you. Every person's experience is different, and what works for your friends might not work for you—that's why it's important to talk with a healthcare provider who can consider your individual health history and goals.
When considering birth control for non-contraceptive benefits, talk to your provider about:
There are many different types of birth control pills, and finding the right one might take some time. Don't get discouraged if the first one you try isn't perfect—your provider can work with you to find the best option for your unique needs.
Take advantage of Twentyeight Health's personalized approach to reproductive healthcare. Find your perfect birth control match with one of our provers today.
Birth control offers benefits that extend far beyond pregnancy prevention. From clearer skin and lighter periods to reduced cancer risk and better management of conditions like PCOS and endometriosis, the pill can be a powerful tool for improving your overall health and quality of life.
At Twentyeight Health, we understand that every teen's health journey is unique. Our providers specialize in helping young women find birth control options that address their specific needs and concerns, whether that's managing painful periods, clearing up acne, or dealing with PCOS symptoms.
Explore our birth control options and discover how the right birth control method could transform your health. Our team is here to answer your questions, address your concerns, and help you make informed decisions about your reproductive health.
At the end of the day, regardless of your age, gender, and sexuality, you deserve healthcare that works for your body, your lifestyle, and your goals. Don't let myths or misconceptions prevent you from exploring options that could significantly improve your quality of life.
Your health is in your hands—and we're here to support you every step of the way.
This article was reviewed by Twentyeight Health's clinical team. The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content does not establish a provider-patient relationship. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns.
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