Birth control is the practice of preventing unwanted pregnancies, typically by use of contraception. Different types of birth control contraceptions have became extremely common among young women in their hopes to prevent pregnancy. The most effective type of birth control is abstinence, of course.

Did you know that the odds of becoming a teen mother are twice as high for teenagers who do not use a contraceptive method at first sex as for those who do use a method. Over the years, these so-called ‘methods’ have evolved. The method of abstinence seemed to have failed among those who practiced it in the past. Around 3000 B.C. Condoms made from such materials as fish bladders, linen sheaths, and animal intestines. Given the description, there is no way that these condoms could have been effective in preventing pregnancy. As time went on, individuals adapted ‘the pill’, IUD’s, and Nuva Ring etc. Birth control has become more advantageous and complex. Considering the age of young teens being sexually active has decreased dramatically, many parents and guardians are suggesting that their children be put on a type of birth control for whatever duration of time is necessary.

There has been many questions and studies as to which birth control is most effective, and if there are greater effects of using it in the long run. On the Susan G Komen national Breast Cancer website, it states that current or recent use of birth control pills (oral contraceptives) slightly increases the risk of breast cancer. This statement is something that will turn women away from using birth control. In large sample size studies showing the effects of birth control, they state that women who have taken or are taking birth control pills, in particular, have a 20-30% higher risk of contracting breast cancer, than those who do not take the pill. Although the rates for contracting breast cancer as a teenager is low, this statement should still be a shocker for those who have been on the pill for long duration of times.

Is seems as if today everything ’causes cancer,’ however, there have been many websites and data bases talking about the increased risks of getting cancer as a result of taking the pill. The results of population studies to examine associations between oral contraceptive use and cancer risk have not always been consistent. Overall, however, the risks of endometrial and ovarian cancer appear to be reduced with the use of oral contraceptives, whereas the risks of breast, cervical, and live cancer appear to be increased.

As previously stated, the most commonly prescribed birth control method is the pill. When my parents were deciding which birth control to put me on they were deciding between a couple different options, but resulted in the pill because it is proven and shown through data and studies to be effective. The pill is extremely effective if it is used by the ‘perfect user.’ I like to think that I keep up on it, but it can be a hassle at times when young adults my age forget to take their pill. No matter how many alarms are set, and how often I tell myself throughout the day I must take it, it can be difficult to stay on top of. That is why, birth control pills can have very positive effects, but also very negative if not executed properly.

Of course, there is always a contrasting opinion when it comes to medical issues and methods to prevent bad situations in today’s society. An individual participant meta-analysis of 27 276 women with endometrial cancer from 36 epidemiological studies concerning endometrial cancer and oral contraceptives was conducted, and held different results than the fact that these oral contraceptives can in fact cause cancer of some type. The background of this study states, “Oral contraceptives are known to reduce the incidence rate of endometrial cancer, but it is uncertain how long this effect lasts after use ceases, or whether it is modified by other factors.” The findings of this study are that the use of the oral contraceptives (pill) in the a long term period of time can actually cause protection against endometrial cancer. The study shoes that in well developed countries around the world, about 400,000 cases of contracting endometrial cancer before the age of 75 years has been prevented by the use of this birth control method.

As a result, it is hard to determine if these methods of birth control do in fact cause cancer. In the mean time, birth control methods are evolving and they are changing as society changes. With the implementation of new methods and ideas from doctors, women will experiment and see what works best for their bodies. It is interesting to see the evolution unfold and affect so many women. If worried, just remember abstinence is key!

The graph below shows the most effective contraceptive methods in the year of 2012.