Publication Date
Spring 4-23-2024
School
School of Health Sciences
Major
Biology: Biomedical Sciences; Spanish
Keywords
Contraceptive use, oral contraceptives, oral birth control, female reproductive system
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences
Recommended Citation
Fertich, Christi, "Overview of the Health Impacts of Oral Contraceptives on the Female Body" (2024). Senior Honors Theses. 1390.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/honors/1390
Abstract
Oral hormonal birth control is frequently used by women for the regulation of medical conditions or as a contraceptive method. However, many women are dissatisfied with the side effects they experience while taking birth control, such as mood changes or oligomenorrhea. The primary objective of this paper is to conduct a scholarly literature review of the side effects caused by oral hormonal birth control, including an explanation of the mechanism of action of these contraceptives on the female reproductive system. The results of this review showed that some perceived side effects, such as weight gain, have little scientific basis, while other side effects, such as stroke, myocardial infarction, and mood changes, are significantly affected by risk factors women may possess.
