For many women, birth control is synonymous with preventing pregnancy—but that’s only part of the story. The benefits of birth control extend far beyond contraception, offering a range of surprising health perks that can improve your daily life and long-term well-being.  

 “We use birth control for a lot of other conditions that women can suffer from,” shares board-certified OB/GYN and Unified Women’s Healthcare Regional Medical Director Annelise Swigert, MD. “Very heavy menstrual cycles, significant pain with their periods, which we call ‘dysmenorrhea’, endometriosis and PCOS, among others,” she continues. 

 Contraceptives can be powerful tools for managing your overall health, and are often prescribed for a host of hormonal issues.  

 Whether you’re already using birth control or considering it for the first time, understanding its non-contraceptive advantages can help you make a more informed, body-positive decision. In this article, we’ll explore five other health benefits of birth control that have nothing to do with pregnancy prevention. We’ll also break down how different methods (like the pill, patch, and hormonal IUD) can support your unique health goals. 

#1: Calmer, More Predictable Periods 

If your cycle feels like a wild card, hormonal methods can bring calm to the storm. By thinning the uterine lining and dialing down ovulation, options like the pill and certain IUDs can potentially reduce bleeding volume and make timing more predictable—key reasons many young women choose birth control for non-pregnancy reasons.  

#2: Relief from Cramps and PMS 

Some women turn to birth control to regulate periods and reduce cramps. Two common causes of period pain are a type of hormone-like substance called “prostaglandins” and ovulatory hormonal swings. Combined oral contraceptives (COCs), AKA the pill, address both by suppressing ovulation and stabilizing hormones. 

#3: Endometriosis & PCOS 

Both endometriosis and PCOS are hormone-related conditions, so it should come as no surprise that hormonal birth control is often the gold standard in symptom management. 

• Endometriosis symptom control: Hormonal methods are standard first-line options to reduce dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain  
• PCOS support: While not a cure, COCs help regulate cycles and lower androgen-driven symptoms like acne—often paired with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. 

#4: Clearer Skin (Hormonal Acne) 

If chin or jawline breakouts peak right before your period, hormones are likely the cause, and certain combination pills can help. Three COCs carry FDA approval for acne: 

• norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol (Ortho Tri-Cyclen), 
• norethindrone acetate/ethinyl estradiol (Estrostep), 
• drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol (Yaz). 

 Choosing the Right Method for Your Goals 

Not all hormonal contraception is the same, so when discussing your options, ensure your health goals align with the method most likely to deliver it.  

 Bottom line: Dr. Swiggert says, “We know that whether it’s the IUD or the pill, we know that there are specific health-related benefits to the different forms of birth control.” These benefits of birth control go well beyond pregnancy prevention—but the “best” method is the one aligned with your symptoms, risk profile, and preferences. 

 Bring your goals to the appointment (lighter periods, fewer cramps, clearer skin, fewer migraines), and ask which method’s evidence best fits your life. However, Dr. Swiggert warns, there’s one important caveat: “Other than condoms, no other form of birth control will prevent the transmission of STDs.”  

Proven, Safe Treatment For Women 

Birth control isn’t just about preventing pregnancy—it’s about giving women more control over their health, comfort, and confidence. Jenny Zhang, MD, an OB/GYN at Premier Women’s Health, agrees, “A lot of times we call it birth control, but there are actually many other health benefits for women.”  

 From easing painful cramps and regulating heavy periods to reducing acne, protecting against ovarian cysts, and even lowering the risk of certain cancers, the benefits of birth control go far beyond contraception. These hormonal options can help you feel more balanced, energized, and in tune with your body.