For decades now, birth control pills have been a popular form of contraception for women all around the world. These pills not only prevent unplanned pregnancy, but they are also effective in regulating menstrual periods and reducing menstrual cramps.

However, as with all drugs, birth control pills come with side effects, some of which may be life-threatening. One such side effect is that they have been linked to gynecological cancer. In this article, we discuss the link between birth control and gynecological cancer including the types of cancer and how birth control works.

What is Gynecological Cancer?

Gynecological cancer is a type of cancer that affects women’s reproductive organs. There are five main types of gynecological cancer which include:.

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer affects the cells of the cervix which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. This cancer is typically caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) which is a sexually transmitted infection.

Cervical cancer can be prevented through regular cervical cancer screenings, such as a Pap smear, and receiving the HPV vaccine.

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer affects the ovaries which are the organs that produce eggs in women. This cancer is often called the “silent killer” because it is often not detected until the late stages when it has already spread out into the abdomen.

Unlike cervical cancer, ovarian cancer does not have a screening test which makes early detection difficult. Symptoms of ovarian cancer include abdominal bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, feeling full quickly, and urinary symptoms.

Uterine Cancer

Uterine cancer affects the uterus or the womb. This cancer is often detected early because it causes abnormal vaginal bleeding which prompts women to seek medical advice.

Risk factors for uterine cancer include obesity, diabetes, and taking estrogen without progesterone.

Vulvar Cancer

Vulvar cancer affects the external female genitalia that includes the labia, clitoris, and vaginal opening. While this cancer is rare, it can be detected early through regular pelvic exams. Risk factors for vulvar cancer include HPV and smoking.

Vaginal Cancer

Vaginal cancer affects the lining of the vagina. This cancer is also rare but can occur in women who have been exposed to cancer-causing agents, such as diethylstilbestrol (DES) while in the womb.

Symptoms of vaginal cancer include vaginal bleeding or discharge, pain during sex, and abnormal vaginal bleeding after menopause.

How Birth Control Works

Birth control pills work by regulating the levels of hormones, estrogen and progesterone, in a woman’s body. These hormones prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs which prevents fertilization from taking place.

Some birth control pills also thicken the cervical mucus which makes it difficult for sperm to reach the egg.

The Link Between Birth Control and Gynecological Cancer

Studies have shown that the use of birth control pills increases the risk of gynecological cancers. However, this does not mean that birth control pills are the cause of cancer.

The increased risk is a result of the hormones found in birth control pills which have been found to stimulate the growth of certain cancers.

The increased risk of cancer is not the same for all types of gynecological cancers. A study published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology found that women who used birth control pills for 5 or more years had an increased risk of cervical cancer.

The study also found that women who used birth control pills for more than 10 years had an increased risk of both cervical and breast cancer. On the other hand, the use of birth control pills has been found to reduce the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer.

Are There Safer Alternatives to Birth Control Pills?

Yes, there are other forms of contraception that women can consider that may be safer than birth control pills. For instance, intrauterine devices (IUDs) provide long-lasting birth control without the need for consuming hormones.

Additionally, non-hormonal contraceptive methods such as condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps can also be considered.

Conclusion

The use of birth control pills has been found to increase the risk of gynecological cancers. However, this increased risk does not mean that birth control pills are dangerous.

It simply means that women should be aware of the potential risks and discuss them with their healthcare provider before starting the pill. Women should also consider alternative forms of contraception that may be safer for them.