Family Physician: A Friend to Depend On

Posted on: 24 November 2017

If your teenage daughter has asked to go on birth control pills, your initial reaction may be to say no. After all, many people believe that allowing teenagers to go on birth control pills only acts to encourage sexual activity. However, that's not necessarily true. In fact, many teens are already actively engaged in sexual intercourse before they think about birth control. Not only that, but birth control pills actually have a wide variety of health benefits. Here are four reasons why you should say yes to your daughter going on the pill.

Helps Regulate Periods

It's not uncommon for teenage girls to have irregular periods, especially during the first few years as they bodies adjust to the changes. Unfortunately, irregular periods can cause problems for young girls, one of them being that girls can't keep track of when their periods will start, which can lead to embarrassing situations. Birth control pills can help regulate the menstrual cycle by providing hormones through a controlled schedule. If your daughter has been experiencing irregular periods, you can help get them regulated by allowing her to go on birth control pills.

Helps Clear Up Acne

During the teenage years, hormone imbalances, oily skin, stress, and even unhealthy dietary habits can lead to an increased occurrence of acne. If your teenage daughter has been struggling with acne and nothing has worked to control the outbreaks, she may benefit from birth control pills. Because birth control pills work through the use of hormones, they can also reduce acne breakouts, leaving your daughter with clear, blemish-free skin.

Helps Control PMS and PMDD

It's normal for teenage girls to suffer from PMS shortly before the onset of their periods each month. However, that doesn't make the symptoms any easier to handle. Bloating, moodiness, and irritability can be unbearable at times. Unfortunately, there's a more severe form of PMS known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD. PMDD can cause depression, mood swings, and other severe symptoms. Luckily, birth control pills can help calm the symptoms of both disorders. If your daughter suffers from PMS or PMDD, talk to your OBGYN, such as at Anchorage OB, about the benefits of birth control pills.

Helps Prevent Teen Pregnancy

When teenagers begin to engage in sexual activities, it's important for them to be protected against unwanted pregnancies. If you suspect that your daughter is sexually active, it's time to get her on some form of birth control. Birth control pills don't protect against sexually transmitted diseases. To help protect your daughter against STDs, be sure she knows that she should also be using condoms during intercourse.