In light of the controversy and stigma surrounding the small pill, it becomes increasingly necessary to address the many wonderful uses and health benefits of the birth control pill, besides as a contraceptive.The birth control pill is one of the items currently at the forefront of women’s rights campaigns, and is often seen by mothers, churches, and politicians as an uncalled-for license to be promiscuous.  But it is much more that just an excuse to be irresponsible.

Studies show that the more often a woman menstruates, the greater risk she is at for uterine and ovarian cancer.  Because birth control pills mimic the hormone levels of pregnant and lactating women (who do not menstruate, or in the case of lactating women, do not menstruate as often), women taking the pill are significantly less likely to experience ovarian, uterine, and bowel cancers. Women taking birth control pills are also less likely to develop ovarian cysts.

A study published in the British Journal of Cancer last year followed 327,396 women, 59% of which reported having used oral contraceptives (birth control pills) at some point in their lives. The researchers found that the women who had been taking the pill for an extended period of time (at least a decade) had reduced their risk of ovarian cancer by up to 85%.

Besides lowering the risk ofcertain kinds of cancers, the pill also normalizes menstrual cycles.  The pill is known to cause lighter and less painful menstruation, along with making the menstrual cycle pattern more consistent and predictable. Some even advertise relief from pre-menstrual symptoms like bloating and mood swings. One brand of birth control pill is even made to stop menstruation altogether, but the long-term effects of not menstruating are still unknown.

The hormones in some birth control pills also help to decrease the female body’s testosterone levels, which in turn decreases the amount of oil secreted. This helps to decrease breakouts and keep skin clear and beautiful. Vanessa Hernandez – a junior in the Communications Academy – and her perfect skin can attest to the wonders of birth control: “Well besides the obvious of preventing pregnancy, it's really great because it regulates your hormones meaning less mood swings and less acne.”

Although birth control pills havetheir side-effects – such as for women who are taking other medications or have medical histories incompatible with the pill – for many women, the health benefits noted above far outweigh the possible side-effects. According to theLA Times, over 1 million women use the birth control pill for non-contraceptive purposes. Besides for the most obvious use, more and more women are using the pill and enjoying the health benefits it brings.